Pep Bands Set to Compete in Game Day Live at UCA/UDA College Nationals
The 2025 UCA & UDA College Nationals, taking place January 17-19 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL, promises an electrifying weekend of cheerleading, dance, and live pep band performances. This year, the spotlight shines on the Game Day Live division, a relatively new addition that integrates live pep bands into the competitive mix, capturing the spirit and energy of a game day atmosphere.
Game Day Live: An Exciting Evolution
Game Day Live aims to recreate the vibrant atmosphere of a college football game, complete with live performances from pep bands or drumlines accompanying cheer and dance routines. This innovative division highlights school spirit through a blend of music, movement, and enthusiasm.
The scoring for Game Day Live is structured to evaluate:
- Sound Quality (20%)
- Technical Accuracy (20%)
- Musicality and Engagement (30%)
- Overall Impression (30%)
These criteria ensure that each performance showcases the band's precision, energy, and ability to connect with the audience.
Key Details for 2025 UCA/UDA College Nationals
- Location: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, FL
- Dates: January 17-19, 2025
Event Schedule for Game Day Live
Friday, January 17 – Semifinals
- 9:00 a.m. ET: Southwest Mississippi Community College
- 9:06 a.m. ET: Wake Forest University
- 9:12 a.m. ET: Grand Canyon University
- 11:45 a.m. ET: Finalists Announced
Saturday, January 18 – Finals
- 4:00 p.m. ET: Finalist #1 Performance
- 4:05 p.m. ET: Finalist #2 Performance
- 4:10 p.m. ET: Finalist #3 Performance
- 5:15 p.m. ET: Awards Ceremony
The Growing Role of Pep Bands
Game Day Live represents the start of Varsity’s push to incorporate pep bands into school spirit competitions. By 2026, Varsity plans to introduce entire competitions dedicated to pep bands, allowing high school and collegiate groups to showcase their talents in events like the National High School Cheerleading Championships (NHSCC) and the National Dance Team Championship (NDTC).
The Game Day Live division serves as a launchpad for this expansion, bridging the gap between traditional cheer and dance competitions and the vibrant energy of live music.
How to Watch the 2025 UCA/UDA College Nationals
Fans can catch all the action live on Varsity TV through a FloMarching subscription. This subscription offers access to the UCA & UDA College Nationals and a host of other spirit and marching events throughout the year.
Streaming Details
- Platform: Varsity TV (via FloMarching)
- Subscription Required: Yes
Why Game Day Live Matters
The inclusion of live pep bands in cheer and dance competitions elevates the experience for participants and spectators alike. By blending music, dance, and cheer, Game Day Live captures the essence of school spirit, offering a unique and dynamic competition format that resonates with audiences.
This year's competition promises memorable performances, spirited rivalries, and the electrifying energy of live pep bands. Don't miss the chance to witness the evolution of game day excitement on the national stage.
Stay tuned for updates, results, and exclusive insights from the 2025 UCA/UDA College Nationals. Let the countdown to Game Day Live begin!
