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HISTORY MADE!!!: Kentucky Wildcats’ Fightin’ Wildcat Marching Band Named #1 Marching Band in the WORLD by ESPN
Lexington, KY – June 9, 2025 — History was made this week as the University of Kentucky’s Fightin’ Wildcat Marching Band (FWMB) achieved an unprecedented honor: being named the #1 Marching Band in the World by ESPN. This groundbreaking recognition marks the first time a collegiate marching band from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has claimed the top spot in the international ranking, placing the Wildcats at the pinnacle of musical excellence and performance prestige.
The ESPN ranking, based on a comprehensive evaluation of precision, musicality, innovation, crowd engagement, and competitive performance over the past three years, placed Kentucky ahead of perennial powerhouses like Ohio State’s The Best Damn Band in the Land (TBDBITL), the University of Southern California’s Spirit of Troy, and the University of Texas Longhorn Band. It’s a momentous achievement not just for the University of Kentucky but for college marching bands across the country.
A Legacy Rewritten
The Fightin’ Wildcat Marching Band, affectionately known as “The Pride of the Bluegrass,” has been a staple of UK athletics and state culture for over a century. However, under the direction of Dr. Dana Bigelow—now in his seventh year as Director of Bands—the FWMB has elevated its game to historic levels.
“We’ve always been proud of our musical tradition,” said Dr. Bigelow. “But this band, this group of students—what they’ve accomplished together over the last few years—is beyond anything we’ve seen before. They earned this recognition with every note, every rehearsal, every step.”
The band’s 2024 season was widely considered a masterclass in performance art. Highlights included their emotionally stirring “Appalachian Voices” halftime show, which honored the culture and struggles of Eastern Kentucky coal communities, as well as their electrifying Beyoncé tribute during the nationally televised rivalry game against Louisville. Videos of both performances went viral on social media, garnering millions of views on YouTube and TikTok and drawing praise from celebrities, musical artists, and band directors worldwide.
Innovation Meets Tradition
What sets the FWMB apart is their seamless blend of classic Southern marching style with bold innovation. In addition to incorporating advanced drill formations and cutting-edge music arrangements, the band has begun integrating live visual effects and dynamic storytelling into their shows—something typically reserved for high-budget drum corps and theatrical performances.
“We’re not just playing music anymore,” said senior drum major Rachel Morgan. “We’re telling stories. We’re moving people. We’re showing that marching band is an art form that belongs on the world stage.”
ESPN’s Global Performance Arts Division, which compiled this year’s rankings, praised the FWMB’s “fearless creativity and unparalleled unity,” citing the band’s international tour through Europe last winter as a turning point. That tour included performances at the London New Year’s Day Parade, a featured slot in the Vienna Philharmonic’s March Festival, and a collaboration with local musicians in Rome’s ancient Colosseum district.
More Than a Game
The FWMB’s rise has paralleled Kentucky’s growing football success. The Wildcats, under Head Coach Mark Stoops, have transformed from SEC underdogs to consistent contenders, and the band has played a critical role in energizing the home crowd and creating a game-day atmosphere now considered one of the best in college football.
Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart applauded the band’s achievement, calling it “a win for the entire university.”
“This recognition shows that excellence at UK goes far beyond the football field,” Barnhart said. “Our marching band is the heartbeat of every home game, every celebration, and every moment that makes being a Wildcat so special. To see them get this kind of worldwide credit is deeply satisfying.”
National and Global Recognition
The announcement sparked celebrations across campus and throughout the state. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear released a congratulatory statement, declaring June 10th “Fightin’ Wildcat Marching Band Day” in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Social media also lit up, with hashtags like #FWMBNo1 and #PrideOfTheBluegrass trending nationally on X (formerly Twitter). Musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma and Beyoncé’s musical director Derek Dixie praised the band’s artistry, while university marching bands from across the country issued messages of admiration.
Perhaps most tellingly, rival fans and band directors offered congratulations, recognizing the skill and spirit it took to achieve such a feat.
Looking to the Future
While the ESPN honor caps a banner year, the FWMB isn’t resting on its laurels. Plans are already in motion for the 2025 season, including an ambitious “Cosmic Symphony” halftime program, collaborations with international composers, and a state-of-the-art digital marching band documentary in partnership with PBS and the Kennedy Center.
“Our goal is always to push the envelope,” said Dr. Bigelow. “This ranking is not the end. It’s the beginning of a new chapter for our program—and for marching band culture as a whole.”
As the summer heat begins to rise in Lexington, so too does the anticipation for what’s next from the world’s top-ranked marching band. One thing is certain: the Fightin’ Wildcat Marching Band has changed the game, not just for Kentucky, but for the art of marching band on a global scale.
Go Big Blue, and Play On.
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