While I think the 'BOTB' itself is a great thing, I think the scheduling/timing of this one is awful....
Who really wants to have a so-called 'battle' at the very beginning of the season?? In fact, this may be the first time all of these bands hit the field? Don't expect perfection when every band will be marching freshmen and newbies. Don't expect elaborate drills right out of the gate.... Yanno?? And don't expect monster books... Nobody will have them then.
That's the only point I'm making..
Had this been the second weekend in December?? When all the bands are 'battle-tested' and seasoned, THEN you would've had a true battle.....
This is going to be an exhibition, not a battle... Kinda like the 1st or 2nd NFL pre-season game - no REAL competition....