On Saturday, July 8th, the DCI will put forth its first major regional event of the summer in Minneapolis, MN. The DCI Minnesota, presented by the USMC Drum & Bugle Corps, is set to go off inside TCF Bank Stadium and will be the first contest in which corps from the west coast will meet up with corps from the midwest on FloMarching.

If you're sitting in the stands or watching at home what are going to be some of the storylines to watch for in Minnesota? Here's 4 for you to chew on. 

1. Changes

The time for changes are now. Typically speaking the summer is an evolution process with regards to the show. Now that corps have been seen several times by judges, design staffs will now begin to install the first round of changes. It may be adding props like Carolina Crown's escalating podium or uniforms like Crossmen's color guards. It also may be wholesale drill changes like the Blue Devils drumline have already made. So what will the corps like Santa Clara Vanguard, Bluecoats, The Academy, and the Madison Scouts have changed prior to Saturday's contest? The world will see soon enough. 

2. Long Distances

Less than a week ago, The Academy, Phantom Regiment, and Santa Clara Vanguard were performing at The Rose Bowl. Now they have made the long haul of almost 2,000 miles to Minneapolis. No matter how prepared you are as a performer traveling will take it's toll. So how will the long bus rides they've been through affect their performance Saturday? The same could be said for groups like Crossmen and Genesis who 1,500 miles away were in Lynn, MA on Tuesday night for their 4th of July performance. 

3. Almost Finals

This show is going to be epic. According to FloMarching's Week 2 DCI Rankings, 6 of the 12 projected finalists will be going heads up. The #1 overall Bluecoats, #8 Crossmen, #9 Blue Stars, and #12 Madison Scouts will get their first chance to compete against the #5 Santa Clara Vanguard and #10 Phantom Regiment on FloMarching. With that concentration of unbelievable shows Minnesota will NOT disappoint.

4. Strong Open Class Showing

Open Class will have a strong showing in TCF Bank Stadium. With 4 groups currently ranked among the Top 10 in Open Class, DCI Minnesota will be able to showcase the talents of performers across both divisions. The #4 Legends, #9 River City Rhythm, and #10 Colt Cadets are all performing. And making their debut on FloMarching is Shadow. 

How to Watch

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