The NCA High School Nationals will move forward this weekend in Fort Worth with an added virtual option for teams facing travel challenges due to the threat of severe weather.
The national championship, produced by Varsity Brands, is scheduled for Friday through Sunday at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Hundreds of high school cheerleaders from across the country are expected to compete.
According to Varsity Brands, teams that are unable to travel safely will have the option to participate in a separate virtual championship rather than competing in person at NCA Nationals. Brian Bianco, a spokesperson for Varsity Brands, said the organization is offering flexibility while continuing to operate the live event as planned.
“While we have not canceled any events due to weather, we are actively communicating with coaches and teams about flexible options,” Bianco said in a statement. Those options include competing virtually or, for some programs, adjusting their competition schedule.
Virtual routines will be recorded on Thursday and Friday, with results posted at the end of the weekend. The virtual competition will be judged independently and will not impact the results of teams competing live in Fort Worth. Varsity officials emphasized that programs are encouraged to make decisions based on what is safest and most practical for their athletes.
Spectators who have already purchased tickets but are unable to attend will be eligible for refunds. Varsity Brands said it is coordinating with its ticketing platform to ensure refunds are processed for tickets purchased prior to the weather concerns.
Event organizers said additional updates will be shared with teams and fans as the weekend approaches and conditions develop in Fort Worth.
