5 Tips, Essential Packing List & FAQ for the Lancaster Classic

🏹 Lancaster Classic: The Essential Packing List

The Classic is an endurance test as much as a skill test. Whether you are a parent or an Archer, here is what you need to survive and thrive:

Competition & Tech Gear

• The "Double Up" Rule: Bring backup strings (broken in!), extra tab/release, and at least a dozen matched arrows marked with your name/initials on the shaft (not vanes). Use a permanent Sharpie or design your own custom arrow wraps.
• On-the-Line Tools: Small hex set, T-brace, and fletching glue, Hot Melt for emergency repairs, and extra nocks.
• Optics: High-quality binoculars or a spotting scope. The hall is big, and the line is crowded. You need to see your target clearly.
• Arrow Puller: You’ll be pulling a lot of arrows over the weekend; save your hands. In new targets, it can be very difficult when retrieving. Make sure you do not stand behind another Archer pulling their arrows.

Apparel & Comfort

• The Concrete Factor: You are on your feet on hard floors all day. Choose your footwear wisely and/or bring an extra set of shoes for walking the venue after your round is done.
• Layers are Key: The main hall can be chilly in the morning and humid by the afternoon. Think moisture-wicking base layers and a light jacket or hoodie for between ends or walking around.
• Tournament Dress Code: Ensure your competition attire meets the event's dress code (no camo, no blue denim, etc.).

Nutrition & Energy

• Steady-State Fuel: Skip the high-sugar snacks that cause "the shakes”. Pack protein bars, trail mix, and jerky. Make sure you aren’t trying anything new for the weekend. Do the tried and true hydration and fuel for the event. There is no formal break halfway through the Qualification rounds, so make sure you are snacking between ends when you get the chance.
• Hydration: Bring refillable water bottle. Staying hydrated is the easiest way to maintain focus during the 60-arrow qualification. Water is available for Archers on the field of play.
• Eat After: Whether you bring your own or purchase on-site, make sure you have food with you after your round. You might be surprised how hungry 60 arrows can make you.

"Pro" Essentials

• Autograph Gear: Bring a silver and/or dark Sharpie, a notebook, clothing, or other merchandise if you plan to attend the "Connect with the Pros" event.
• Power Bank: Your phone’s battery will drain quickly from recording video, checking scores, and trying to search for a signal. Bring a portable charger.
• Portable Chair: While there is seating, having your own foldable stool for the practice range is a lifesaver. There are a lot of people and not a lot of chairs. Use it to rest or put your belongings on.

Mental Maintenance

• Noise-Canceling Headphones: The hall can be incredibly loud at times between announcements, music, and the overall hum of the crowd . Use these in the practice area or between ends to stay in your "bubble."
• Small Notebook: Jot down notes from the "Learn from the Pros" panels and your own observations from your practice and competition. Review after the event with your coach, parent, or mental performance consultant.

Top 5 Tips for First-Timers at the Classic

If it’s your first time stepping into the Spooky Nook Sports complex, the sheer scale can be overwhelming.

Here is how to handle it like a pro:

1. Arrive Early: Don't wait until 15 minutes before your line time. Although there is no formal equipment inspection, this year, there were 135 competition targets in two halls. Take the time to find your target, set up your bow, eat, go to the washroom, get your target paper up, chat with your target mates, and settle in. Many Archers will take some extra time on one of the practice ranges before. It’s one less thing to stress about when the official whistle blows.
2. Navigate the Noise: Between the music, the announcer, and the sheer volume of 1,000+ Archers and crowd, it is loud. If you’re easily distracted, practice ahead of time with a radio turned up high and with people chatting to desensitize yourself before you get there. It won’t be an exact simulation, but it’s a start.
3. The "Line" Etiquette: The Classic uses a tight line rotation. Be respectful of your lane mates’ space and the timer. The faster the rhythm of the line, the easier it is for everyone to stay in the zone. There will be four Archers per target for each of the Qualification rounds.
4. Watch the Finals: Even if you don't make the cut, stay for the Shoot-Up Finals. Watching others handle the pressure of the big screen and sounds of the crowd is the best free mental coaching you will ever get.

2026 Lancaster Archery Classic: FAQ

The Basics

Q: What makes "Classic Scoring" different from a standard indoor round?

A: While most indoor rounds max out at X = 11, the Classic scores the inner X-ring as 11 points. This makes a perfect qualification score 660 instead of 600.

Q: Can I attend if I’m not competing?

A: Yes! Spectator admission is free. You can walk the Vendor Village, attend the "Connect with the Pros" meet-and-greet, and watch the high-drama Shoot-Up Finals without a ticket. Spectators are encouraged.

Equipment & Divisions

Q: I shoot a Longbow. Do I have to use wooden arrows?

A: Yes. Per 2026 rules, the Longbow division must use wooden arrow shafts with feather fletchings. Additionally, your arrow diameter cannot exceed 9.3mm.

Q: What are the specific Barebow equipment limits?

A: Barebow follows World Archery rules. You can use a Recurve or Longbow with a rest and plunger, but no stabilizers, clickers, or draw checks are allowed. Your unstrung bow (including riser weights) must be able to fit through a 12.2cm ring.

Q: Are there age-specific divisions for amateurs?

A: Absolutely. There are Masters (50+), Senior (60+), and Youth (11-17) divisions, ensuring you are competing against peers in your age bracket.

The Competition Format

Q: How do the "Shoot-Up" Finals work?

A: This is the most exciting part of the Classic. Unlike a standard bracket where everyone shoots at once, the top qualifiers are seeded. The lowest-ranked finalists face off first; the winner "shoots up" to face the next seed. This continues until someone challenges the #1 seed for the championship.

Q: What is the "660 Bonus" I keep hearing about?

A: If any Archer (Pro or amateur, any division) shoots a perfect 660 during the qualification round, they are eligible for a $20,000 cash bonus. If multiple Archers shoot a 660, they go to a head-to-head shoot-off to determine who takes the cheque home.

Q: What happens if I have an equipment failure on the line?

A: You are allowed to repair or replace your equipment, but the clock doesn't stop. You have 15 minutes to return to the line, and you may be allowed to make up missed arrows at the judge's discretion (up to a maximum of 3 arrows).

Logistics & Registration

Q: What is the deadline to register?

A: For the 2026 event, the final registration deadline was January 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. There is Early Bird pricing that typically closes in January. Registration for the 2027 Classic will likely open in October, but keep and eye out. Follow Lancaster Archery Supply on social media and/or sign up for their newsletter.

Q: Is there a practice range available on-site?

A: Yes, there are multiple practice ranges at the Spooky Nook complex. A Weekend Practice Pass is $20 if prepaid during registration or $25, if purchased on-site. There are also two practice ranges (one is 24 hours) at the Lancaster Archery Supply store located on Old Phila Pike in Lancaster. A visit to the shop is a MUST while you’re at the Classic.

Listen to our episode about the Lancaster Classic and read the accompanying comprehensive recap blog post: "Inside the 2026 Lancaster Classic".