CONGRATULATIONS & WELCOME!!!

2025 State Championship Tournament

Congratulations! Your team’s hard work has paid off!   We are thrilled you were able to qualify for our 2025 State Championship Tournament! This celebration is a joyful culmination to a successful DI Season.  We can’t wait to see what you bring.

When: Saturday, April 5, 2025

• Competition Times: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
  • Aiming to have the schedule posted by March 26, 2025.   
• Celebrations: Dance party for Middle School and Elementary Students tentatively scheduled for 5:00 p.m. High School Event at 5:00 at the Multicultural Lounge.
• Awards: Tentatively scheduled for 6:00 p.m. 

Where: Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC)

• Downtown Denver at Colfax & Speer
• Maps will be on the website

Registration Deadline:

• Register by the Friday after your regional tournament, regardless of holidays or spring breaks
• Payment due by March 21, 2025. 

Information found on the website:

• Step-by-step tournament registration and preparation directions

• Global Finals information 

• Online registration & merchandise order directions 
• Everything you want to know about the Tournament
• Check in at the tournament
• Hotel information

If you have any questions, please call (720) 542- 3637 or Kate@dicolorado.com or kim@dicolorado.com

See you at State!

2025 State Championship Tournament

Step-by-Step Instruction Guide

• Register your team by the Friday after your tournament. If you team is choosing NOT to attend, please email Kate. Regardless of holidays or spring breaks, your registration MUST be completed.  We cannot schedule the tournament without your registration. Go to ryt.destinationimagination.org to complete your registration online.
• To make the day complete, order tournament t-shirts, pins, and activity wristbands (complementary activity wristbands are available for each team member, only purchase wristbands for siblings and guests). Adults do not need wristbands. To order online, go to Destination Imagination CO Store.
• Payments for tournament registration and any merchandise orders are due March 21, 2025. If payment cannot be made by this time, you must contact Kate to make arrangements.
• The tournament schedule will be published by 6:00 p.m. on March 26, 2025. Remember to block the entire day for this event.
• If you have questions about any of these details, please call the DICO office at 720-542-3637 or email Kate D or Kim M.

For State Registration instructions, Click Here!

2025 State Championship

Everything You Want to Know about Tournament but are Afraid to Ask!

Prior to the Tournament Day:

• Have a team/parent meeting to discuss competition logistics such as:
  • Travel plans, especially if you are coming from outside the Denver Metro area.
  • Global Finals and what your team’s decision to attend or not. (see below).
  • Location and possible times of Team Challenges and Instant Challenge competitions.
  • T-shirt and pin purchases.
  • Meal plans for the day.
  • Where and when the team should meet on competition day.
  • Unloading/parking/loading plans.
  • Behavioral expectations of Team Members, Team Managers and parents.
  • Back-up plans if you get separated or if the competition runs late.
  • The Awards Ceremony.
  • Emergency Contact Information.
• State Championship Schedule:
  • Tournament times will be posted by March 26, 2025. Times will be posted online only; you will not receive a mail or email notification. Please remember that we schedule all regions evenly. Each region will have teams starting first thing in the morning and late in the afternoon.
  • Due to the scheduling nature of this large tournament, teams usually have between two and three hours between their Team Challenge and Instant Challenge. There are many activities at the State tournament to participate in during the day.
  • Teams may have their Instant Challenge first or their Team Challenge first.
  • Maps of will be posted on our website and will be available at tournament check-in. Please locate your Challenge, prop drop-off areas, and the closest parking prior to coming to tournament.
• Talk with your parents, school, and school district about the possibilities of attending Global Finals.
  • As has been discussed, only teams that qualify can compete at Global Finals.  Discuss how your team might arrange quick financing to Global Finals held at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, MO with arrival before opening ceremonies the evening of May 22nd.  Your cost per team will be $5,500 plus room and board. This should average to $2,000 per student and adult traveling for teams with 2 team managers and 5 team members. DICO is inviting the top four in each level and challenge if that helps you to make your decision. From my experience, any Colorado team in the top six will be competitive at Global Finals.
• Check our website
  • We regularly post updates on our website!
• Make reservations for overnight accommodations, if needed.
  • We have secured a $115 rate for 2 doubles or a king with pull out. We have 30 double rooms and 10 king rooms available for each Friday and Saturday nights. There is no breakfast included.
  • Courtyard by Marriott, Cherry Creek
  • 1475 S Colorado Blvd
    Denver, CO 80222
    United States
• Order Tournament T-shirts, and Pins!
  • We are offering two different sets of four pins this year. You can view the pins and t-shirts at the Destination Imagination Colorado Store.
  • Wristbands for outdoor activities are free for team members. Additional wristbands for friends and siblings are available for $5 a piece. You will be able to bring your team and others into an activity area for added fun!
• More information to come as we get closer to the event.

Tournament Day

Bring with you:

• Your tournament schedule
• Cameras – remember that some teams may not allow pictures or video-taping
• Extra extension cords or power strips if your team needs them (each site will have access to one extension cord).
• Repair kit
• Small First Aid kit

Ensure that your team parents and other spectators have the following information:

• Team name
• School name
• Challenge name and level
• Challenge location
• Parking information
• Performance time

Parking

• Parking is paid everywhere on the Auraria Campus. Please plan your parking.  Parking Map

Food

• We have 2 great food trucks as well as a yummy dessert truck and a coffee truck. See more details below.
• There is an Auraria campus Subway sub shop in the Tivoli Center.  Historically wait times have been long here.
• This is information only on eating options.  We cannot predict or control line lengths.

Bring your Destination Imagination spirit and positive attitude

• Please remember that all of the people working at our tournament are volunteering their time to support your team.
• If your team has a question about scoring or tournament procedures, ask to speak with the Head Appraiser.
• If you feel that your issue has not been resolved to your satisfaction, team managers and/or team members can request a Dialogue with the State Challenge Master, the Tournament Director and other tournament officials. Team parents are NOT included in this process.

Plan to stay and enjoy the day

• WATCH OTHER TEAMS
• See what other teams are doing
• Cheer on teams from your region

DI Store

• Gifts, swag, and new 2025 pins will be available for purchase at the DI store
• There will be a FEW state t-shirts available for purchase, if your team does not pre-order
• We accept credit cards and cash

Activities

• Outdoor recreation activities will include a giant inflatable slide and obstacle course. Wrist bands are required. They are free for team members, $5 for siblings and friends.
• “Escape Room,” scavenger hunt and other activities are being planned. More information to follow. Pre-Sign up required this year – information below.

After the Tournament

• Take your props home. Campus dumpsters are NOT available for our props. Do not destroy your props until you hear the tournament results.
• The celebration party will begin before the award ceremony. We will open the doors at 5:00. We have a dance party scheduled for elementary and middle school teams.
• High School party begins at 5:00. Registration is required, but this is a FREE event for our High School students. More information to follow.
• Awards Ceremony will take place by 6:00. We must allow late performing teams time to review their scores and the score room to finalize scores, so the start time may run a bit late. Please be patient. This time is subject to change and you will be notified.
• Mandatory Global Finals Celebration meeting for all Team Managers going to Global Finals
  • This meeting will take place on Sunday, April 6, 7:00 PM via Zoom.

Check in at the State Championship Tournament

Team Check In

• Check in will be open from 8:00 am in the Atrium of the PE Center. You can go here at any point of the day. It is not a requirement to check in before your Challenge. At check in you and your team will pick up:
  • Maps
  • Team Manager Gift
  • Pins, t-shirts and wristbands (pre-ordered)

Check In for Central Challenge

• All Teams must be at their Challenge Site Prep area 20 minutes prior to their performance time. Engineering teams need to check in 60 minutes ahead of time.
• Tournament sites might run late, but they will not start early.

Check In for Instant Challenge

• All Teams must be at Instant Challenge (IC) check-In 20 minutes prior to their IC time.
• The waiting area for Instant Challenge is in the Plaza outside.  Please dress appropriately.
• Please do not arrive more than 20 minutes before your scheduled time.

Auraria Higher Education Campus

Accessibility Parking Map

All Gender Bathroom Map

To access our quiet spaces, please enter the PE Center from the main doors, proceed to the elevator to access the 2nd floor. Any one accessing these rooms must be accompanied by an adult.

Due to the construction, we just learned that our quiet spaces; lactation room, prayer room, and regulation space have been moved. Please see the registration booth for locations.

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State Championship Food Trucks & Entertainment

Click here for the menu

Click here for the menu

Click here for the menu

Click here for the menu

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Escape Room Sign-ups: Sign ups begin Tuesday, 7:00 PM

We have 4 escape rooms the high school leadership team has planned.

Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory: Your team is trapped inside Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory! Your team must solve a series of challenges to escape. The challenges will be tough to crack but persevere and you will get to the sweet taste of success! Rated EASY

Room 1

Room 2

Seasons: Your team wakes up in an enchanted forest that has four different seasonal regions. You must collect the magical objects from each season to power up the portal to send you home. Rated Moderate

Room 1

Room 2

Bank Heist: AntiPrime Bank is home to some of the world’s most precious gems- the pinnacle of which is Amagdalene’s Amethyst. Your task is to navigate a series of security obstacles to successfully steal the amethyst…without being caught. Rated Difficult

Bank Heist

Board Game World: Welcome to Board Game World! This place is ruled by the evil King, and you must defeat him to escape! Your task is to navigate a series of board game-themed challenges and escape the game!  Rated Moderate

Board Game World

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As in years past, there will be bouncy houses AND rock climbing walls located near the food trucks!

State Championship Hotel Information

We have a new hotel for our Destination Imagination Teams.

We have secured a $115 rate for 2 doubles or a king with pull out. We have 30 double rooms and 10 king rooms available for each Friday and Saturday nights. There is no breakfast included.

Courtyard by Marriott, Cherry Creek

GLOBAL FINALS INFORMATION

GLOBAL FINALS ELIGIBILITY 2025

1. Your team must qualify for Global Finals by finishing in the top 4.

Before the tournament, you MUST meet with your parents, school, and school district about the possibilities of competing at Global Finals. You MUST accept or decline your invitation by Tuesday, April 9 END OF DAY. Discuss how your team might arrange financing to the tournament. The cost of the event is $5,500 per team exclusive of room, board, and travel. Please email Kate with invitation response.

Teams in 4th-6th spots should keep their props. Team spots that are declined will pass to the 4-6th place teams respectively.

All registrations, and deposit for Global Finals are due by April 17, 2025.

Next Steps

1. If your team chooses to represent Colorado at the Global Finals Tournament on May 22– May 25, 2025, Kansas City, MO, with arrival by the evening of May 22 – ensure you have enough time for registration and check-in before it starts, you and your team will need to raise about $5,500 per team plus room, board and transportation.
2. Team managers will be invited to attend a Zoom information meeting for information and to ask any questions.

When: Apr 6, 2025 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

1. This meeting will take place on Sunday, April 6, via Zoom.

Register in advance for this meeting.

Please open for a detailed look at where to find your challenge locations.

2025 Challenge Locations

Technical Teams PE Events Center

****Due to unexpected construction, all teams must bring props in through the door on the North West end of the building. Map and Photo Below

Scientific Tivoli Ballrooms

Fine Arts PE Center

****Due to unexpected construction, all teams must bring props in through the door on the South end of the building. Map and Photo Below.

Fine Arts for Middle and Secondary Levels 2025 St. Cajetans

Improv All Levels 2025 Tivoli

Engineering DI 2025 PE Events Center

****Due to unexpected construction, all teams must bring props in through the door on the North West end of the building. Map and Photo Below.

Service Learning All Levels DI 2025

Instant Challenge All Teams Plaza

Escape Rooms are in the King Center

Store, Silent Auction, Information and Registration in PE Center

CHALLENGE LOCATIONS

CHALLENGE PROP DROP OFF LOCATIONS

Engineering and Tech: You will be dropping off your props at the intersection of Larimer and 11th Street. There will be 6 parking spots available for prop drop off. You will walk toward the Tivoli and enter the door on the north side of the building. There is a flight of stairs you go up. YOU MUST BE VERY QUIET bringing in your props as performances will be in process!!!  Proceed to the center area. No teams should arrive more than 90 minutes ahead of time.  Please move your vehicle as soon as you can.

Prop and team entrance for Elementary Fine Arts  Teams: You will enter the campus via Speer and St. Francis Way. Turn onto 11th Street and drive until it dead ends. Drive carefully onto the sidewalk, then walk into the PE Center through the double doors. No teams should arrive more than 90 minutes ahead of time.  Please move your vehicle as soon as you can.

Prop and team entrance for Middle Level and Secondary Fine Arts  Teams and Service Learning Teams: Enter the campus from either Auraria Pkwy or Colfax, turn onto 7th Street and proceed to Lawrence Way. There is a loop where you can drop off props. Note that all our food trucks will also be here. Please be thoughtful of others. No teams should arrive more than 90 minutes ahead of time.  Please move your vehicle as soon as you can.

Prop and team entrance for Scientific Teams: Coming into Campus from Auraria Parkway, turn into campus on 7th street, turn left on Walnut, right on 8th, left on Larimer Plz, and left on 9th street.  Unload in front of the Tivoli. Please be thoughtful of others. No teams should arrive more than 90 minutes ahead of time.  Please move your vehicle as soon as you can.

Prop and team entrance for Engineering and Tech Teams

Prop and team entrance for Elementary Fine Arts Teams

Public Transportation: Bus: 1, 15L, 16, 43, and 20. Train: A line. Light Rail: E and W

Refer to the RTD plan a trip website for more details.

All Parking is paid. There is no free parking on the area campus. Pricing may be more expensive on the weekends.

Parking Map

Please park any school buses and U-Hauls in the parking lots at the back of campus (Cherry, Elm, Spruce, Walnut are options).  You will need to pay for 2 parking spots.

Schedule

24-25 Tournament Program State

FINAL RESULTS

Our Award Ceremony and Dance Party will be at the PE Building beginning at 5:00 PM.

We will start awards 6:00 PM

Instant Challenge Letter: All Read: Affiliate IC letter

Improv Team Letter : 2025 Are We There Yet? State Letter

Tech Team Letter: 2025 Breaking Point State TM letter

Engineering Team Letter: 2025 Hire Wire Act State Letter

Fine Arts Team Letter: 2025 Less is More State Letter

Service Learning Team Letter: 2025 This or That State TM letter PO

Scientific Team Letter: 2025 Worlds Beyond State Letter

Tournament Data Form Tips