Varsity Negligence Investigation

Paul LLP Trial Attorneys > Consumer Protection > Varsity Negligence Investigation

Were you or a loved one injured at the Varsity Cheerleading stampede in Dallas? No one should have to experience fear and injury at an event that should have been safe. Varsity Spirit had a responsibility to protect attendees, but its lack of preparation led to chaos. Many people suffered physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses because of this preventable incident. If you were among them, you could have grounds for a legal claim.

A lawyer from Paul LLP Trial Attorneys can review your case, explain your rights, and handle every aspect of the legal process on your behalf. Call us today at (816) 984-8100 for a free consultation to learn more. We are ready to fight for you and seek the justice you deserve.

What Happened at the NCA All-Star National Championship?

On March 1, 2025, a stampede broke out at the NCA All-Star National Championship in Dallas, Texas. The event took place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where thousands of athletes, coaches, and spectators gathered for the competition.

According to police, a fight broke out between two attendees, Zachary Whittaker and an unidentified individual. During the altercation, several poles fell, creating loud noises that many mistook for gunshots. This triggered widespread panic, and people rushed toward the exits in fear.

The chaos left multiple people injured. The competition was suspended for the rest of the day but resumed the following morning. Police responded to the incident, but no arrests were made. Officials never identified the second person involved in the fight.

In response to the incident, Varsity Spirit offered ticket refunds and mental health counseling for those affected. The company also promised to increase security at future events. However, concerns remain about whether Varsity took the necessary steps to protect attendees before the incident occurred.

Failures in Event Security and Risk Management

Varsity Spirit claims to have prioritized safety, but the chaos at the NCA All-Star National Championship raised serious concerns. Despite the company’s recent hiring of a chief security officer and announcement of stricter policies, Varsity failed to prevent or control the panic that unfolded. Reports confirm that metal detectors were not in use, and no system existed to manage large crowds in emergency situations.

When panic spread, Varsity had no clear evacuation plan. Attendees scrambled for exits without guidance from event staff or security. The company later announced new safety policies, including increased police presence and weapon detection technology. However, these changes came only after the incident, leaving many to question why Varsity had not taken action sooner.

The Emotional and Physical Impact on Attendees

Many attendees suffered both physical injuries and emotional distress during the stampede. Some people fell or got trampled as they tried to escape. At least ten people required medical attention. For many, the fear of an active shooter made the situation even more traumatic.

Parents and athletes described the experience as terrifying. Some attendees now struggle with anxiety and fear at large events. Varsity Spirit acknowledged the emotional impact by offering free counseling. But for many, that offer came too late. The company’s failure to prevent the chaos left people injured, traumatized, and questioning whether they could trust Varsity to keep them safe in the future.

Legal Grounds for Potential Claims

Varsity Spirit had a duty to protect attendees at the NCA All-Star National Championship, but its security measures fell short. Those injured at the event could have grounds to file negligent security claims against Varsity for failing to meet basic safety standards. Below are several examples of potential legal grounds for these claims:

Failure to Use Metal Detectors or Weapon Screening: Varsity allowed thousands of people into the venue without using metal detectors or other security screening. Large events often require these measures to prevent weapons or other threats from entering the space.
Lack of a Clear Emergency Plan: When panic spread, attendees had no clear guidance on where to go. Security personnel did not direct people, and no organized evacuation plan was in place. This lack of preparation led to confusion, injuries, and unnecessary distress.
Inadequate Crowd Control: Large-scale events require trained personnel to manage crowds and prevent dangerous situations. Varsity did not have enough staff in place to control movement inside the venue or respond quickly when chaos broke out.
Ignoring Known Security Risks: Varsity had already faced scrutiny over safety concerns in past events. The company announced new security policies months before the competition but had not yet put them into action at the time of the Championship event.

Potential Compensation for Victims

Attendees injured in the stampede at the NCA All-Star National Championship may have the right to seek compensation for their injuries, emotional distress, and related losses. Depending on the circumstances, victims could claim compensation for:

Medical expenses for hospital stays, doctor visits, medication, and physical therapy
Lost income related to time away from work due to injuries from the event
The physical pain and emotional distress caused by the incident
Mental health treatment costs for things like therapy and counseling
Other out-of-pocket costs for things like transportation to medical appointments

How Paul LLP Trial Attorneys Is Assisting Victims

Paul LLP Trial Attorneys is helping victims of the NCA All-Star National Championship stampede to pursue claims against Varsity Spirit and other responsible parties. Our firm has a proven history of holding Varsity accountable. We played a key role in securing an $82.5 million settlement in a federal antitrust case against the company. Now, we are assisting those harmed at the Dallas event by investigating the failures that led to this preventable disaster.

Our attorneys have spoken with hundreds of affected individuals and have already secured representation agreements with many. We are gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and building strong cases for those seeking justice. Our team is prepared to take these cases to trial if necessary.

Paul LLP Trial Attorneys is not just focused on securing compensation. We work to create lasting change in industries where safety failures put people at risk. When corporations fail to protect the public, we take action to hold them accountable. Varsity Spirit promoted its commitment to safety, yet its lack of preparation led to injuries, fear, and uncertainty for thousands of attendees. Our firm believes that victims deserve more than refunds and apologies—they deserve justice.

Contact Our Trial Attorneys Today

If you suffered injuries or emotional distress because of the Varsity cheerleading stampede, you could be entitled to compensation. Paul LLP Trial Attorneys has taken on Varsity Spirit before, and we are committed to holding them accountable again. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case with our team.

Varsity Cheerleading Negligence Investigation