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Arnold Sports Festival Rolls Into the Arena District

February 25, 2013

Calling all sports fans–and we mean all–to the 25th Arnold Sports Festival in the Arena District. This legendary event brings 175,000 sports enthusiasts from all over the world to see incredible displays of athleticism by the events’ athletes. The four-day event boasts events from archery and USA Powerlifting to Zumba and professional boxing. As the largest multisport event on the planet, “the Arnold” is even bigger than the Olympics. That’s right, Downtown Columbus will welcome 18,000 athletes from February 28-March 3 to compete in 46 events, including 12 Olympic sports. Where will you be when the Arnold Sports Festival takes over Central Ohio? Get your tickets here or keep reading for all the details.

The Arnold Sports Festival events

  • Thursday, February 28: Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, Bikini and Physique Championships. Also hit up the Meet and Greet with IFBB pros from 7-9pm for VIP ticket holders are 8-9pm for general admission.
  • Friday, March 1: The Arnold Fencing Classic, USA Powerlifting Championships, Gymnastics Challenge, Zumba Fitness, CrossFit, Weightlifting Championships, Table Tennis Challenge, Arnold Strongman Classic, Cheerleading and Dance, Boxing Championships/Martial Arts Festival/Arnold Grappling Championships, Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, Bikini and Physique Championships, Archery Competition, and more including several preliminaries and workshops.
  • Saturday, March 2: USA Powerlifting Championships, Arnold Strongman Classic, Weightlifting Championships, Arnold Classic and Bikini International, 50+ DanceSport Challenge, the Arnold Party With The Pros and more.
  • Sunday, March 3: 5K Run, Weightlifting Championships, Arnold, Champions & Legends Sunday Morning Showcase and more as well as demonstrations from some of your favorite events. And don’t miss Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself from 9am-12pm at Arnold, Champions & Legends Sunday Morning Showcase at the Hilton Columbus Downtown.
 For a complete list of events and times, be sure to visit the Arnold Sports Festival schedule of events.

Hotels and parking in Downtown Columbus

If you’re coming from out of town for the Arnold, and are staying in one of our luxurious Arena District hotels, you’ll be just a short walk away from the Greater Columbus Convention Center as well as food, drink and entertainment spots in Downtown Columbus. If you’re looking for a meal or a cocktail, check out our popular bars and restaurants like Gordon Biersch, Rodizio Grill, Sunny Street Cafe and R Bar. Please take a look at our parking information for the most convenient parking and to download a printable parking map.

Arnold Sports Festival tickets and general information

Adults tickets are $10 per day in advance or $15 per day at the door. Kids ages 10 years and under enter free if accompanied by an adult. Admission includes total access to the Arnold Fitness EXPO March 1-3. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold. at the Greater Columbus Convention Center Feb. 28-March 3 or the Veterans Memorial March Feb. 28-March 3. Please, no baby strollers.

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