Oct. 29, 2025

Media Advisory: U of A hosts 72nd annual Band Day

  • What: University of Arizona Band Day
  • When: Saturday, Nov. 1, 8-10 a.m.
  • Where: Arizona Stadium
  • RSVP: Courtney Dodge, cdodge@arizona.edu

TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona Athletic Bands and AzMBA will host the 72nd Annual Band Day on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Arizona Stadium. The event will showcase 42 top marching bands from across the Southwest in a day-long celebration of music and performance.

This year's event will feature bands ranging in size from 35 to more than 200 members, representing schools from across Arizona. The bands will be judged in musical presentation, visual execution and overall performance, with the top bands becoming eligible for the Nunamaker Award.

Both the morning and afternoon sessions will conclude with exhibition performances by the University of Arizona's Sudler Trophy award-winning "Pride of Arizona" Marching Band, under the direction of professor Chad Shoopman. This year's performance will highlight the music of Lady Gaga, featuring hits such as "Die with a Smile," "Judas," "Applause" and more. 

For more information about Band Day 2025, including a schedule of performances, visit azmba.org. To learn about the Pride of Arizona Marching Band, visit prideofarizona.org. Tickets and information available at bandday.music.arizona.edu.

Media contact:
Courtney Dodge
College of Fine Arts
520-621-1683
cdodge@arizona.edu

Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.