Deep South Spirit Announces Free Admission for Kids 10 & Under

Shane James
3 Min Read
Xtreme Shots Photography | Deep South Spirit
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Deep South Spirit is putting families first the season by updating its entry policy for the 2025 season. Spectators ages 10 and under will receive free admission at all events. The move follows a 26-year run of expansion for the independently owned producer, founded in 1999, and comes as the brand adds new dates across the country.

Founder David Hanbery said the change aligns with the company’s long-time emphasis on family access and event experience.

“Deep South is all about family, fun, and unforgettable experiences. That’s why we’re opening our doors to the next generation — kids 10 and under get in free! We want every child to feel the energy, the excitement, and the magic of our events. When families can cheer together, our whole community grows stronger.”

The policy applies across the season’s schedule and is designed to reduce barriers for families with multiple children in attendance. The update also puts more young fans in the arena during stunts, pyramids, baskets, and full-outs—exposure that often drives future participation.

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Deep South’s announcement lands in a year of recognition. At the 2025 Cheer Awards, the company was voted Best Independent Event Producer, its Glow Tour received Best New Event, and JR Ross earned Best Event Host/Emcee. The honors underscore the brand’s positioning with athletes and spectators, where Deep South continues to be a fan favorite and reports exponential growth across its footprint.

Vice President Kendall Hanbery noted that the admission shift supports partner gyms by broadening the audience at local and regional stops.

“Deep South is proud to support our gyms by opening the doors wider to their communities. By making admission free for kids 10 and under, we’re giving families a chance to experience the thrill of our events and the talent of local teams. When young kids see the energy, excitement, and fun, they’re inspired to join — and that helps gyms grow and thrive.”

Since launching in 1999, Deep South has steadily expanded from single-weekend events to over 30 competition dates on its calendar, adding production elements and new concepts such as the Glow Tour. The organization says it will continue to scale while maintaining a focus on spectator access, athlete experience, and streamlined event operations.

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Shane is the Publisher of Cheer Daily, the industry’s leading platform for cheerleading news. With decades of experience in media, publishing, and digital strategy, he has helped shape how the cheerleading world connects with brands, events, and the sport itself. A former LSU Cheerleader and Associate Publisher at Inside Cheerleading Magazine, Shane has dedicated his career to elevating cheerleading media. He is also a co-author of Cheerleading: From Tryouts to Championships (2007) and the creator of Team iC and other industry-changing initiatives. From 2007 to 2016, Shane served on the USASF National Advisory Board, contributing to the growth and governance of All Star cheerleading. His impact on the industry was recognized in 2011 when he was inducted into the UPA Hall of Fame, and again in 2014 when he was named to Cheer Biz News' 35 Under 35, highlighting his influence as a rising leader in the cheer industry. While at Inside Gymnastics Magazine, Shane covered 10 Gymnastics World Championships and 3 Olympic Games, expanding his expertise in sports media and global event coverage at the highest level.