Erie Sports Center to Host Cadets Spring Training
The Cadets have a new Spring Training home for 2022 and beyond.
On Wednesday, March 16, 2022, The Cadets and the Erie Sports Center announced a new partnership for 2022 and beyond. The corps will move into the complex in late May and stay for 36 days, as they learn and refine their 2022 production.
"The site is a fantastic fit for us, and we could not be more pleased with this partnership," said Ron Lambert, Director of The Cadets.
Situated on 28 acres, the Erie Sports Center has just over 100 dorms, numerous soccer fields, and a turf field with lights. Everything is within a short distance, so the food truck will be an easy, post-rehearsal walk for The Cadets.
Also on-site are a small theme park with miniature golf, beach volleyball, go carts, and live entertainment; a small restaurant; and an outside food stand.
Troy Bingham, Co-Owner of the Erie Sports Center, commented, “We are so excited to bring this opportunity to the Erie community. I was just in awe of the dedication, discipline, and attention to detail when I visited The Cadets Spring Training. It motivated me to bring these athletes to Erie to showcase what world-class performers look like."
When The Cadets spend a full month in one town, the community gains a unique familiarity with drum corps. The breeze blows just right, and you can hear brass and drums from your front porch. Many people go for long, evening walks around the field to watch the ensemble piece their program together. It's the ultimate first look at a World-Class DCI corps, and The Cadets are thrilled to receive such a warm welcome from the Erie community.
In return, "we make a pretty significant impact on the local economy," said Denise Bonfiglio, CEO of Cadets Arts & Entertainment. "We will be purchasing food to serve 31,680 meals during our stay in Erie. Our team will make daily visits to the local hardware store as we build our set and make preparations for tour. And the auto parts and tire shops are sure to be a resource as we repair our vehicles," she said.
Over the course of five weeks, The Cadets will make frequent visits to local drug stores, grocery stores, delis and restaurants, coffee shops, hardware stores, auto repair shops, auto parts stores, tire shops, warehouse stores -- even produce farms.
"The economic impact for local food suppliers, bus companies, etc. will be fantastic," Bingham said. "And then the opportunity for the local arts and music community to interact with the oldest drum corps in the country is amazing. We will be working with The Cadets to finalize a free community show at the end of June at the Erie Sports Center as a big send off on their national tour. This will be a wonderful showcase for Erie, and we are working with The Cadets to make Erie their permanent home!”
After a month of all-day rehearsals, The Cadets will be ready to present their 2022 production, Rearview Mirror, to the people of Erie, Pa., and all alumni, family and friends of the corps are invited! Stay tuned for the official, late-June details of this very special performance.
For more information on the Erie Sports Center Complex, visit eriesportscenter.com.
