USSBA says goodbye to Giants Stadium
Thursday, October 22, 2009
By: Caryn Goebel

More marching magic closes out the Yamaha Cup

A band takes the field under the lights of Giants Stadium this week. At right, words scrawled on a wall at the stadium share sentiments of many who have been there.

Memories of the past 21-years came flooding to the forefront Wednesday night as the US Scholastic Band Association held its last event in the spectacular stadium where it all began. 

It was in 1988 that the Cadets Marching Band Cooperative took a bold step, hosting a local marching band show for scholastic groups in the venerable facility. Then, just like now, the thought was to provide high school bands with events that put them first in every aspect an overall positive experience, quality adjudication panels, fair and consistent scoring, and philosophies that can be fostered throughout their lives. Add to that a goal of giving students magnificent venues in which to perform. 

For more than two decades, Giants Stadium has provided that, and more! 

As an icon of the noteworthy Yamaha Cup event, Giants Stadium has opened its tunnel to thousands of band students through the years, and absorbed the gasps made by students as they take the field in performance. 

Last night, as the second half of the rescheduled Marine Corps Invitational Yamaha Cup lit up the Meadowlands, 24 bands had the pleasure of taking the field for the event called The Final Edition the last high school marching event before Giants Stadium is demolished next spring. 

“Both nights were fabulous,” Tim Gallagher, Event Coordinator for the USSBA said. “Every band worked with us to get this special and memorable event in. It was a once in a lifetime show and our final event in Giants Stadium was certainly a memorable one.” 

View the scores and recaps from Wednesday night.

View the scores and recaps for Tuesday night.  

While bringing the grand finale at Giants Stadium to fruition was no easy task, band directors are singing the praises for the USSBA for always assisting to make kids the top priority. Here are some recent comments: 

"Thanks so much for everything, especially the great communication regarding shows, all season long.  In all of my years of involvement in Marching Band and/or Drum Corps, you have always done the best for the kids.  The weather is beyond anyone’s control, and we should support you by rolling with whatever comes our way.  Make the decisions you need to, and we will see you soon.  All the best to you and your great staff. "

Chris Jones

East Lyme Viking Band 

"Just wanted to make sure you know that we do appreciate everything the USSBA has done for us over the past four years that we have been involved. Having worked with other marching band organizations over the years, it is nice to see one that is really done right with the best interests of the students in mind. I really wish we could be more involved, but as with everything, the financials of it all really limit us to 3 or maybe 4 shows a year and only those we can get to within an hour bus ride (it takes a lot of hard work to pay for a bus when you only have 30 kids!). Anyway, we are greatly looking forward to the Regional event at Towson University this weekend and rain or shine I know we'll have a great day. Thanks again and keep up the good work!" 

Brian Frazier

Franklin High School, Reisterstown, Maryland