The Arnold Classic is a massive bodybuilding competition and fitness expo held annually in Columbus, Ohio, usually at the end of February. The event's jewel is the Arnold Classic BodyBuilding Competition. Beyond that event, there are many other including: Bikini International, Strongman Classic, Arm Wrestling, Powerlifting, Cheerleading, Dance, a 5K Run, Foosball Championships and my favorite: The Strongest Firefighter. Here are my tips for Arnold Classic
Can I Meet Arnold?
The short answer is maybe. Arnold is always around the event. He is often seen walking around. He is on stage at the Expo for Q and A sessions. He is on stage for the Arnold Classic BodyBuilding on Sundays. The best place to meet him is in the Pump Clubhouse. Get a subscription to the Pump App and wait in the exclusive Pump Lounge at the Classic. That is the best place to meet him as he will go there. In the Lounge, there are less people and more of a chance to get a selfie and a handshake.
Where to Stay?
The best places to stay are at the Hilton and the Sheraton that are attached to the Convention Centre. You can park you car there the entire weekend and literally have breakfast with some of the former Mr. Olympians like Jay Cutler or Ronnie Coleman. And yes, sometimes Arnold. These hotels book up early. Usually but October or November they are fully booked. You need to book these through the Arnold Classic website. They give great customer service.
If they are not available or you are looking for something more affordable, there are many hotels in Columbus to choose from. It is a convention town. So there are hotels aplenty. Just be warned, that parking at the Convention Centre does fill up quickly. So it is wise to do a rideshare or take public transit.
Is it Expensive?
The great thing about the Arnold Classic is they have a wide variety of ticket prices. From a single day ticket all the way up to the VIP experience. If you join the 5K run, you can get in free to the Expo on Sunday. You can also buy tickets to meet the IFBB pros before they perform on Sunday. That is usually held on Thursday nights. You can also buy photo and autograph tickets with many of the former Mr. Olympians. Unfortunately, Arnold is not avialble for a photo or an autography. Why? He is literally too busy. He is everywhere.
Which Day is the Best to Go?
Fridays tend to be the least crowded. Saturdays are very packed. Sunday is a great day for the Expo because there are many events going on. Just a word of warning, the line ups for the tickets/wristbands can be long. If you are going to be there for more than one day then I recomend the 3 day pass so you avoid the ticket/wristband line ups.
What Can I See at the Expo?
The Expo has many amazing events and sponsors. I like watching the firefighter competitions. But there are other competitions such as the physically-challenged bodybuilding competition or the strongman. Plus there are guests on the Expo stage. It is very fun.
Also, there are many free giveaways including snacks, keto products, protein shakes, energy drinks - you could get a supply for a year. Everyone is giving stuff away. Sometimes the Marines or the Navy are there and you can test your strength with them
I am a First-Timer, What Do You Recommend?
If you are a first-timer, I would recommend getting an Expo pass, Arnold Classic tickets and maybe the Thursday night Meet and Greet with the IFBB competitors. It is fun to see them first and then cheer them on later. After that, if you want to pick up a photo or autograph go for it.
My one big advice for first-timers is don't wait too long. Purchase early. You will save money and you won't be disappointed.
What is the History of the Arnold Classic?
The story of the Arnold Classic dates to 1970, when Columbus sports promoter Jim Lorimer invited a young Austrian bodybuilder named Arnold Schwarzenegger to Columbus to compete in the Mr. World contest that was accompanying that year’s World Weightlifting Championships.
Schwarzenegger won the contest, earned $1,000 and vowed to return to Columbus one day to partner with Lorimer and promote the sport of bodybuilding. After winning the Mr. Olympia contest every year between 1970-1975, Schwarzenegger was true to his word. Schwarzenegger and Lorimer promoted the Mr. Olympia contest in Columbus six times between 1976 and 1986 before founding the Arnold Classic in 1989.
Get your tickets here: https://www.arnoldsports.com
Comments