Insider Info: 2026 National School Spirit Championships

Posted January 29, 2026 in School

Competitive cheer and dance have become staples on the annual calendar for the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort, and that tradition will continue in 2026 – with a few new twists.

Two action-packed weekends in Orlando, Florida, will see some of the best bands, cheerleaders and dance teams head south for the new National School Spirit Championships.

The opening weekend of competition – Jan. 30-Feb. 1, will belong entirely to Division II schools (enrollment of 1-1,399) for the 2026 DII National School Spirit Championships, which will feature three events – the UCA DII National High School Cheerleading Championship, UDA DII National Dance Team Championship and the DII National School Band Championship.

The following weekend, Feb. 6-8, will belong to the Division I programs (enrollment of 1,400 and above) for the 2026 DI National School Spirit Championships for another round of the same fun events – the UCA DI National High School Cheerleading Championship, UDA DI National Dance Team Championship and the DI National School Band Championship.

The action will include routines from cheer and dance teams and pep bands, showcasing the countless time and effort they put in during the 2025-2026 season. Expect cheer and dance routines in performance divisions, as well as what you'd see on a typical game day, plus some incredible music and band performance. Oh, and all of the action will be broadcast live on VarsityTV!

Who: Division I & II High School, Junior High And Rec Cheer, Dance, and Pep Band Teams
When: Jan. 30-Feb. 8, 2026
Where: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex– The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida
Watch: LIVE on Varsity TV
Rebroadcast: Watch HERE

About The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

The 2026 National School Spirit Championships will be taking over multiple stages/facilities at Walt Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, offering competitors an unforgettable time at an iconic venue, along with a pre-spring vacation in one of the world's best-known destinations.

The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is multi-purpose sports complex where cheerleading, dance, soccer, football, field hockey, baseball and basketball events are held. The complex is over 220 acres and has various activities for fans to enjoy, along with the performances, of course, so they'll be entertained throughout the entire day.

The property will cater to all things cheer, dance and band and shine the spotlight.

Performances will be held in six different facilities at the Wide World of Sports Complex: State Farm Field House, Athletic Center, AdventHealth Arena North (Yellow), AdventHealth Arena East (Blue), AdventHealth Arena South (Red) and AdventHealth Arena West (Green).

Located near Walt Disney World, there will be plenty of entertaining activities for athletes, friends, families and fans to enjoy over the weekend. There are plenty places to eat, shop and even enjoy time at one of the Disney parks.

More Information About ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex:

FAQs: For all of the venues frequently asked questions, find more info here.
Parking: For all things parking and online access, follow this link.
Where To Stay: For more information about where to stay, follow this link!
Things To Do: Looking for activities to do around Orlando, follow this link for all the details!

About Orlando, Florida

Teams and their supporters may be heading to Orlando to compete at the 2026 National School Spirit Championships, but there's no reason they can't also plan on a little fun, as there are so many things, places and activities to keep everyone entertained.

Weather sometimes is unpredictable in the Sunshine State, but it likely will be warmer than most places in the country. Dicey weather or not, there are plenty of things to keep folks busy, inside or outside.

For more information about all of the highlights that Orlando has to offer, take a look at the Visit Orlando website.

How To Watch The 2026 National School Spirit Championships

The 2026 National School Spirit Championship DII will stream LIVE on Varsity TV on Jan. 30-Feb. 1.

The 2026 National School Spirit Championship DI will stream LIVE on Varsity TV on Feb. 6-8.

Missed the Action? Watch The Rebroadcast

The rebroadcast will stream on Varsity TV on a delay of 24 hours.

Relive The Action With Varsity TV 24/7 Network

Whether you're a die-hard fan, a coach or an athlete, Varsity TV 24/7 Network brings the action of the competitive cheer and dance season straight to you—anytime, anywhere.

The always-live stream will feature all-access content and video replays hand-picked by experts on the Varsity TV team. Tune in to Varsity TV 24/7 Network live, starting on Nov. 1.