February 02, 2009

THE ARNOLD SPORTS FESTIVAL

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Every year for 21 years, Columbus has hosted Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Sports Festival, where for an entire weekend; visitors are treated to a multi-sports event. This year’s schedule (March 6-8) is the largest ever with 37 events, including 11 Olympic sports. It’s everything from gymnastics, dance and cheerleading to table tennis, archery and martial arts.

Schwarzenegger competed in this bodybuilding competition for many years. He claimed it was the best event he ever competed in and although retiring from competition in 1976, he wanted to continue to be a part of the activity. So, in 1975, he teamed up with the Director of the program, Jim Lorimer (former Mayor of Worthington, OH) to present a body building event. The weekend long event has superseded both of their expectations and morphed into so much more than just body building.

There are anywhere from 17-18,000 athletes participating throughout the weekend and 165,000 fitness enthusiasts from around the world. The EXPO booth vendors have grown to 700. There is something for everyone! It’s a family event and at $10 per person, it won’t break the bank. “Arnold’s Party with the Pros” is a new event (late night soiree’) this year and the admission to that is an additional $25. It gives attendees the option to mingle with celebrities and professional athletes alike.

The weekend’s events are held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Franklin County Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium, Nationwide Arena, and the Ohio Expo Center. The Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Experience Columbus, estimates this will bring upwards of 41 million dollars of revenue to the city of Columbus. For additional information, go to, http://www.arnoldclassic.com/h_5k.asp. From there you will find info on airlines, hotels, restaurants, shopping and a myriad of other details.

Posted by: Judy Gray