What should have been a weekend filled with dazzling routines and fierce competition turned into sheer panic at the 2025 NCA All-Star National Championship in Dallas. A loud noise—believed by many to be gunfire—sent thousands of cheerleaders, parents, coaches, and spectators into a stampede at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
In the aftermath, the Dallas Police Department and Varsity, the governing body of all-star cheer, attributed the panic to a fight between two men at the Omni Hotel, which allegedly caused metal poles to fall. However, this explanation has been met with widespread skepticism. Conflicting witness accounts have flooded the internet, and concerns about Varsity’s handling of security continue to mount.
Was this a tragic misunderstanding, or is there more to the story? And regardless of the cause, one pressing question remains: why was an event of this magnitude so lacking in security?
Suburban Burnout Podcast Episode:NCA Profit Over Protection?The Stampede, Safety Failures, & Conspiracy Theories
A Perfect Storm of Panic
The NCA competition is the most prestigious event in competitive cheerleading, drawing over 30,000 athletes from 43 states and 9 countries to Dallas, Texas. It is also a massive economic engine, generating an estimated $65 million for the City of Dallas. Yet, for years, attendees have had concerns about inadequate security. This year’s events made it clear that Varsity was woefully unprepared to handle a real crisis—or even a false alarm.
Around noon on Saturday, March 1, reports of an active shooter spread like wildfire, sending thousands into a desperate sprint for safety. Videos from the scene capture parents screaming for their children, athletes fleeing in uniform, and sheer terror consuming the crowd. For many, the trauma of that day remains fresh.
Varsity’s Response: Damage Control Over Accountability?
Varsity and the Dallas Police Department quickly downplayed the incident by stating it was a false alarm. Instead, they claimed the panic stemmed from a misunderstanding—a loud noise caused by a fight at the Omni Hotel triggered mass hysteria. But for those who were there, this version of events doesn’t hold up. Eyewitnesses have provided multiple conflicting accounts:
Many reported hearing multiple loud bangs—not just one.
Several ex-military and ex-law enforcement attendees claim the sound of metal poles hitting the ground does not resemble gunfire.
The fight at the Omni Hotel occurred far from where the loud noises originated.
Some witnesses reported seeing bullet-like holes in the glass near the source of the sounds.
If safety was a top priority, why were there no security measures in place to monitor entry points, check personal belongings, or use metal detectors? And perhaps most disturbingly, why does Varsity seem more concerned with protecting its brand than addressing these serious concerns?
The Conspiracy Theories: A Cover-Up for Profit?
As more firsthand accounts emerge, many believe the truth is being buried to protect financial interests. With millions of dollars on the line, some suspect Varsity and the City of Dallas are more interested in preserving the NCA brand than acknowledging security failures that put thousands at risk. Some of the most widely circulated theories include:
A coordinated media spin to downplay the incident and avoid negative press.
Varsity and law enforcement working together to push a misleading narrative that keeps future events profitable.
Reluctance to admit security failures due to potential lawsuits and refund demands.
While there is no definitive proof of a deliberate cover-up, Varsity’s vague and dismissive response has only fueled speculation.
The Cheer Community Deserves Better
For the athletes who train year-round, the parents who invest thousands in the sport, and the fans who passionately support these teams—safety should never be an afterthought. This incident has exposed serious flaws in event security, crisis response, and the prioritization of profit over protection.
As conversations about safety in competitive cheerleading gain momentum, one thing is clear: Varsity and event organizers must be held accountable. Whether through increased security measures, improved crisis communication, or a full investigation into the events of that day, cheer parents and athletes deserve more than damage control and empty statements.
For more insight and discussion listen to our Suburban Burnout Podcast Episode:NCA Profit Over Protection?The Stampede, Safety Failures, & Conspiracy Theories
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