Rita Moreno's return to the Drum Corps International World Championship broadcast brings a full-circle moment to one of the activity's longest-running television traditions.
The Academy Award-winning actress and star of "West Side Story" will appear on Saturday night's DCI Finals broadcast after the final performance, adding another memorable chapter to her connection with the event.
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Moreno's appearance also highlights a relationship that stretches back more than four decades. For longtime fans, her presence recalls one of the landmark broadcasts in DCI history and the early years of national television coverage.
She first joined the DCI broadcast on PBS in August 1980 during the World Championships in Birmingham, Alabama. Moreno spent five hours on the telecast alongside game show host Jim Peck and a young Steve Rondinaro, helping introduce the pageantry and artistry of drum corps to viewers across the country.
Rita Moreno Returns To DCI Finals Broadcast
Moreno, 94, will join Saturday night's DCI Finals broadcast following the final performance. Her appearance reconnects one of the most recognizable figures ever associated with a DCI television broadcast to the activity she helped showcase on national television more than 40 years ago.
Her original appearance came during the 1980 PBS broadcast from Birmingham, Alabama, where she spent five hours on the air with Jim Peck and Steve Rondinaro. That broadcast remains an early milestone in bringing Drum Corps International to a national audience.
How To Watch The DCI World Championship Finals
Fans can watch the Drum Corps International World Championship Finals live on FloMarching and the FloSports app. The broadcast concludes with Rita Moreno's special appearance following the final corps performance.
Watch The DCI World Championship Preview Show Live!
Can Fans Watch Any Of DCI World Championship Prelims For Free?
Yes.
FloMarching will stream the opening block of DCI World Championship Prelims live on YouTube from noon to 2:26 p.m. ET on Thursday before exclusive coverage continues on FloMarching and the FloSports app for the remainder of championship week.
Where Are The DCI World Championships?
The 2026 DCI World Championships are being held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the longtime home of Drum Corps International championship week.
The venue hosts World Class Prelims, Semifinals and Finals, bringing together the best drum corps from across North America to determine this year's DCI champion.
2026 DCI World Championships Prelims Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 6 (All Times ET)
- 10:30 AM – Gates Open
- 12:00 PM – Welcome & National Anthem
- 2:26 PM – Intermission
- 2:43 PM – Competition Resumes
- 5:38 PM – Intermission
- 6:30 PM – LIVE – Movie Theater Cinecast
- 6:32 PM – Competition Resumes
- 8:19 PM – Intermission
- 8:36 PM – Competition Resumes
- 11:22 PM – Scores Announced
- All times ET and subject to change.
DCI World Championships Preview
2026 DCI World Championships Prelims Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 6 (All Times ET)
- 10:30 AM – Gates Open
- 12:00 PM – Welcome & National Anthem
- 2:26 PM – Intermission
- 2:43 PM – Competition Resumes
- 5:38 PM – Intermission
- 6:30 PM – LIVE – Movie Theater Cinecast
- 6:32 PM – Competition Resumes
- 8:19 PM – Intermission
- 8:36 PM – Competition Resumes
- 11:22 PM – Scores Announced
- All times ET and subject to change.
DCI World Championships FAQ
When are the 2026 DCI World Championships Prelims?
The 2026 DCI World Championships Prelims are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, in Indianapolis.
Where are the 2026 DCI World Championships?
The 2026 DCI World Championships will take place in Indianapolis.
What time do the 2026 DCI World Championships Prelims start?
Gates open at 10:30 a.m. ET. The Welcome and National Anthem are scheduled for noon ET.
What time will scores be announced at the DCI World Championships Prelims?
Scores are scheduled to be announced at 11:22 p.m. ET.
Where can I watch the 2026 DCI World Championships?
Fans can watch the 2026 DCI World Championships live on FloMarching and the FloSports app.
FloMarching FAQ
What is included with a FloMarching subscription?
A FloMarching subscription includes live event streams, event replays, live scores, results, highlights and news, schedules, standings, rosters and performer profiles, plus the full library of award-winning content, including Flo Originals.
Which devices can I use to watch FloMarching?
Fans can stream through desktop, laptop, tablet and mobile web browsers. The FloSports app also is available on iPhone, iPad, Android phones, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Apple TV.
Can I access FloMarching on multiple devices?
Yes. Subscribers can access their account from supported devices. Devices streaming at the same time must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network or IP address.
How many FloMarching streams can I watch at once?
Subscribers can watch up to 12 streams at the same time on one or multiple supported devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network or IP address.
Are DCI event replays available on FloMarching?
Yes. Event replays are included with a FloMarching subscription.
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