Drum Corps International is close to an agreement to bring its "Eastern Regional" back to J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown, PA in 2003. The deal isn't done, said DCI Executive Director Dan Acheson, but interested parties will meet on May 10 and 11 to work out final details.

"It's not a sure thing," Acheson said, "but we are looking hard at it. Now that I've seen the stadium and talked to the powers that be, I'm convinced people would rather see the show in Allentown than Philadelphia." Acheson flew to Allentown from DCI headquarters in Illinois this week.

This year's regional is set for Philadelphia.

Allentown had hosted the show for more than 20 years, Acheson said. But last year the regional was moved to Philadelphia due to construction at J. Birney Crum.

"When we left (Allentown), we were frustrated," Acheson said. "The stadium was deteriorating, the lighting was horrible and the grass had to be four inches high for us to be allowed to march on it so it would stay green. But the crowds were never disappointing. So when they announced they were going to renovate, we were the first to cheer."

Acheson said there are still financial details to work out with the Allentown school district, which operates the stadium. Seating is also an issue, because the upper deck has not yet been renovated and is not usable. Acheson said he isn't even sure if the upper deck will be available for 2004.

"The school board said..."