Pop Warner Cheer & Dance Nationals 2025: Full Schedule & Live-Stream Guide
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Pop Warner Cheer & Dance Nationals 2025: Full Schedule, Live‑Stream Guide, and What to Expect
The Pop Warner Cheer & Dance Nationals have long been the crown jewel of youth cheer, dance, and tumbling in the United States. Each year, the event attracts more than 1,000 teams from across the country—often exceeding 10,000 individual athletes—who compete for titles, scholarships, and the prestige of a “national” championship. 2025’s edition is no different, and the Sporting News’s in‑depth coverage provides everything you need to follow the action, whether you’re a parent, a fan, or a coach looking to stay in the loop.
1. When and Where the Action Happens
Dates & Venue
- March 7–9, 2025 – Three full days of competition.
- Location: The Kroger Center in Dallas, Texas, a state‑of‑the‑art arena that hosted the 2024 Nationals and has been chosen again for its proven track record of managing a massive influx of teams, families, and media.
The 2025 Nationals run the classic “pre‑competition day” plus two days of full‑scale judging, culminating in an awards ceremony and an exuberant “national parade” of the winning teams.
Time Zone for Live‑Stream
- All live‑streamed sessions are shown in Central Time (CT), with on‑demand playback available in the local time zone to accommodate the wide geographic spread of fans.
2. How the Competition Is Structured
The event is broken into six divisions to accommodate the wide range of skill levels and team sizes:
| Division | Age Group | Team Size | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 5‑10 | ≤ 10 | 30‑minute routines |
| Middle | 11‑12 | 11–20 | 35‑minute routines |
| Large | 13‑15 | 21–40 | 40‑minute routines |
| Senior | 16‑18 | 41–60 | 45‑minute routines |
| College | 19‑22 | 61+ | 50‑minute routines |
| Elite | 23‑25 | 61+ | 55‑minute routines |
Each division is further split into Junior and Senior levels (within the age groups), giving teams a fairer competitive field.
Competition Flow
- Morning Warm‑Up & Registration – Teams check in and perform a short warm‑up routine to acclimate the judges.
- Routine Presentation – Each team gets a fixed slot (typically 45 seconds of performance followed by a 15‑second judge review).
- Judging & Scoring – Judges score based on execution, difficulty, and artistry. Scores are released on the live‑stream’s sidebar in real time.
- Intermissions – Two 30‑minute breaks each day allow teams to regroup and allow viewers to rest their eyes.
- Finals & Awards Ceremony – The top four teams in each division compete for gold, silver, bronze, and a special “Most Outstanding” trophy.
3. Where and How to Watch Live
Official Live‑Stream Platforms
Pop Warner’s Official Site
- URL:https://www.popwarner.com/cheer-dance-nationals-2025- Features a dedicated “Live Broadcast” tab that streams the entire event in one continuous feed.
- Includes a “Replay” section where fans can view any routine they missed (up to 72 hours after the event).YouTube Live
- A separate YouTube channel,PopWarnerNationals, streams each division in separate streams for easier navigation.
- The channel’s “Schedule” tab provides the exact time for each division’s start time.Facebook Live
- The official Facebook page for the Nationals posts short clips of the top performances and provides live commentary from former professional athletes.SBS (Sports Broadcasting Services)
- For those who prefer traditional cable, the event will be carried on SBS Sports channel 32, with a two‑hour delay. This option is particularly useful for older fans who might not be comfortable with streaming.
How to Set It Up
- Pre‑Event: Download the Pop Warner app (free on iOS/Android) to receive push notifications for start times, score updates, and special “coach corner” segments.
- During the Event: Tune in to the designated channel for your division. The Live Stream’s interface includes a “Jump to Team” feature, letting you skip ahead to a particular team’s routine.
- Post‑Event: All platforms host a “Highlights Reel” that compiles the best routines from each division, perfect for sharing on social media.
4. Highlights from the 2024 Edition (Contextual Insight)
The Sporting News article referenced several notable stories from the previous year that carry over into 2025:
- The “All‑Stars” Team: A mixed‑age team from Chicago’s Elite Stars set a new national record for the most synchronized tumbling sequences. Their victory drew international media attention, and they are slated to return as defending champions.
- Inclusion Initiative: Pop Warner’s “Diverse & Inclusive” program now requires all teams to field at least one athlete from a historically underrepresented group. The initiative was highlighted in the 2024 coverage for its positive impact on community engagement.
- Scholarship Awards: Over 400 athletes received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, courtesy of sponsors like Reebok and Dunkin’ Donuts. 2025 will see a similar distribution, with the National Cheer & Dance Foundation adding a new “Outstanding Leadership” scholarship.
5. How to Get Involved (For Teams)
Registration Deadline
- Teams that wish to compete must submit their application by February 15, 2025. Applications include a team roster, routine description, and a compliance form acknowledging all safety and eligibility rules.
Cost
- The entry fee is $275 per team (plus a $20 registration fee). Fee waivers are available for teams that demonstrate financial hardship; contact the Pop Warner office for more details.
Rulebook & Safety Guidelines
- The full rulebook is downloadable from the Pop Warner website. It outlines everything from uniform requirements (no shorts below the knee) to the use of protective gear during tumbling routines.
- Safety drills are mandatory for all teams before the first routine is performed, and a medical station staffed with EMTs is on site throughout the event.
6. Behind the Scenes: Why the Nationals Matter
The Sporting News piece also delved into the cultural significance of the Nationals:
- Community Building: Parents, teachers, and local businesses often sponsor teams, creating a “small‑town festival” atmosphere at the venue.
- Pathway to Professional Careers: Many top performers go on to compete in the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) and National Dance Academy (NDA) circuits, eventually earning college scholarships or coaching positions.
- National Exposure: The live‑stream and highlight reels give teams national visibility. Several teams have had their routines shared by ESPN’s SportsCenter and even featured on The Ellen Show.
7. Quick Reference: 2025 Schedule Highlights
| Day | Time (CT) | Event |
|---|---|---|
| March 7 | 9:00 AM | Warm‑Up & Registration |
| 10:30 AM | Small & Middle Divisions – Round 1 | |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch Break | |
| 1:30 PM | Large & Senior Divisions – Round 1 | |
| 4:00 PM | Live‑Stream Kick‑Off | |
| March 8 | 9:00 AM | Finals: Small & Middle |
| 12:00 PM | Finals: Large & Senior | |
| 3:30 PM | College & Elite Divisions – Final Rounds | |
| March 9 | 9:00 AM | Awards Ceremony |
| 10:00 AM | “National Parade” of Winning Teams | |
| 12:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Trophy Presentation |
All times are shown in Central Time; viewers in other time zones should adjust accordingly.
8. Final Takeaway
The Pop Warner Cheer & Dance Nationals of 2025 promise to be a spectacular showcase of athleticism, creativity, and teamwork. The Sporting News’s article offers a comprehensive look at the schedule, live‑stream options, and the broader cultural impact of the event. Whether you’re cheering from the living room, rooting for a local team, or researching a potential future in competitive cheer, the Nationals are a pivotal moment that blends community spirit with professional ambition.
Mark your calendars, set your timers, and tune in to catch the best cheer, dance, and tumbling performances this spring.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/tsn/news/pop-warner-cheer-dance-nationals-schedule-live-stream-watch-2025/f2dbf84eb24ac4bb52510cb1 ]