For 30 years, the Miami Valley has hosted the Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championship. The event, spanning two weekends, brings thousands of people into the area to witness the indoor color guard, percussion and winds ensemble competition.
Bart Woodley is the director of operations for WGI Sport of the Arts. He says this years event will break exisiting records with more than 60,000 in attendance.
“Over 340 color guard this first weekend competing, and then over 250 drum lines and 33 winds in the second weekend," he says. "So, our performers alone are going to be 12,000 of that 60,000 people.”
The Dayton Visitors and Convention Bureau estimates the event will bring in about $18 million into the local economy.
The international competition begins tonight at several locations, including Wright State University Nutter Center and University of Dayton Arena. Other venues will host events over the next two weekends.
