The Arnold Sports Festival is back in Columbus.
The multi-sport fitness competition will bring some of the biggest names in fitness and bodybuilding to Columbus for the four-day festival held Feb. 29-March 3.
This edition of the Arnold Sports Festival will be the 36th since its start in 1989.
Here’s what you need to know about the Arnold Sports Festival:
When is the Arnold Sports Festival?
The 2024 Arnold Sports Festival will be at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Ohio Expo Center Feb. 29-March 3.
What is the Arnold Sports Festival?
The Arnold Sports Festival brings the world of professional bodybuilding and fitness to Columbus for this multi-sport fitness competition that will include 12,000-plus athletes from more than 80 nations competing in multiple sports and events.
Who is Arnold Schwarzenegger? And why is his festival in Columbus?
While many know him from his acting roles such as “The Terminator,” and his stint as the Governor of California, Schwarzenegger got his start as an award-winning Austrian bodybuilder, who was a six-time Mr. Olympia champion from 1970-75.
Schwarzenegger teamed up with Columbus sports promotor Jim Lorimer, who was the first to invite Schwarzenegger to participate in the Mr. World competition in 1970, and started the Arnold Classic in 1989: the fulfillment of a promise that Schwarzenegger would return to Columbus to promote bodybuilding.
Will Arnold Schwarzenegger be at the 2024 Arnold Festival?
Yes. Schwarzenegger will speak at the pro bodybuilding shows March 1 and 2 and attend the Expo. He will also host a Sunday Showcase event where he will answer fans’ questions.
2024 Arnold Festival events
A number of physique and fitness events will happen during the 2024 Arnold Festival such as the USA powerlifting and weightlifting championships, the XPC powerlifting contest and compa sports such as medieval fighting.
More information and a full schedule can be found at arnoldsports.com/schedule.
Here are a few events that the Arnold Festival will hold Feb. 29-March 3.
- 2024 Arnold Expo: The Arnold Expo returns to the Greater Columbus Convention Center where hundreds of booths will showcase the latest in sports equipment, apparel and nutrition. The expo will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 1-2, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 3.
- Arnold Showcase: The Arnold Sunday Showcase will display top bodybuilding and International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation athletes, along with Schwarzenegger. The event will be held from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Tickets start at $35.
- 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic: Eleven athletes will compete for $80,000 in the festival’s strongman competition where competitors will participate in events such as the elephant bar deadlift, frame carry and stone medley March 1 and 2. The festival also has a Strongwoman Classic competition with 12 athletes.
- Arnold Classic: The premier event at the 2024 Arnold Festival, the Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition will be held at the Columbus Convention Center March 1-2. The finals will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. March 2.
How much are tickets for the Arnold Sports Festival?
Ticket prices vary according to event and can be purchased at arnoldsports.com/tickets.
@_ColinGay