The National Cheerleading Association (NCA) All-Star National Championship in Dallas, Texas, experienced a significant disruption on March 1, 2025, when a fight between attendees led to a mass panic.
The incident caused distress among participants, including cheerleaders and families from Kansas.
At approximately 1 p.m. on Saturday, a dispute between two individuals at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center resulted in multiple poles being knocked over, creating a loud noise.
This sudden commotion was mistaken for gunfire, leading to a stampede as attendees rushed to evacuate the premises. Dallas police responded promptly and confirmed that no shooting had occurred.
However, the ensuing chaos led to multiple non-life-threatening injuries.
Impact on Kansas Cheerleaders and Families
Among the thousands present were cheerleaders and their families from Kansas, including teams like ICT Cheer Legacy. The unexpected turmoil left many shaken.
Emily Donahue, co-owner of ICT Cheer Legacy, described the scene: “All of a sudden there’s just like a swarm of people that are like literally flying into the ballroom, like massive amounts busting through the doors.”
The incident had a profound emotional impact on the participants. Kristen Mountain, another co-owner of ICT Cheer Legacy, noted, “The kids and families’ lives are forever changed, and this experience is not something that is going to go away tomorrow.”
Event Suspension and Resumption
In response to the incident, NCA officials evacuated the convention center as a precaution and suspended activities for the remainder of the day.
A family reunification center was established nearby to assist those who had been separated during the evacuation.
The competition resumed the following day with heightened security measures to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Reactions from Participants
The false alarm left many attendees traumatized. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people running in all directions. One attendee recounted, “It was pandemonium.
Everyone running in all directions.” Another participant, 14-year-old cheerleader Autumn Holub, shared her experience: “I got pushed into a corner. I fell, my knees hurting, my hands are hurting. I thought I was going to pass out. I had no clue what I was doing.”
Decision to Withdraw
Given the traumatic experience, ICT Cheer Legacy made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition on Sunday.
Emily Donahue explained, “As much as we wanted it for our kids, we know it was just a decision that we had to make.”
The incident at the NCA All-Star National Championship serves as a stark reminder of the potential for panic in large gatherings, especially in today’s climate where fears of active shooter situations are prevalent.
While no actual shooting occurred, the psychological impact on participants, particularly young athletes and their families, is significant.
Event organizers and security personnel must continually assess and improve safety protocols to prevent and manage such situations effectively, ensuring the well-being of all attendees.