The event runs from March 5-8 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Arnold Sports Festival returns to Columbus this week as it celebrates another year as one of the largest multi-sports fitness events in the world.
The event runs from March 5-8 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
The festival includes strength and Olympic sports, IFBB Pro League bodybuilding contests, the NPC Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding Championships, the Arnold Strongman Classic and the Arnold Classic.
The Arnold Expo will have hundreds of booths of the latest in sports equipment, apparel and nutrition. There will also be stages that will host a variety of strength competitions and exhibitions and meet and greets will be stationed throughout the facility.
You can see the full event schedule here, but here’s what else you need to know before you go.
Expo Schedule
- Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, March 8: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Arnold Amateur competition will take place on Thursday.
Prejudging for the Arnold Classic physique competitions will take Friday afternoon and finals will be Saturday evening. You can view the schedule here.
Tickets
VIP, Ultimate Expo and 3-day passes are only available in advance. All other ticket types will be available at the door as supplies last.
Are tickets free for children?
Admission to the Arnold Expo and all events covered by the Daily Ticket is free for children 14 and under when accompanied by at least one paying adult.
All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket to attend the Friday/Saturday Night Finals, IFBB Meet & Greet, Arnold Sunday Showcase and all Arnold Strongman Classic seating.
Parking & Transportation
A free shuttle service will be available on buses marked “Arnold Downtown Shuttle” beginning Thursday through Sunday to most major hotels in downtown Columbus. A map of where to park and where the shuttles run can be viewed here.
Arnold Downtown Shuttle Bus Route
Greater Columbus Convention Center to
Columbus Renaissance Hotel to
Columbus Commons (south side) to
The Junto to
Hotel LeVeque to
Courtyard by Marriott to
Greater Columbus Convention Center
Thursday, March 5
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, March 6
7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 7
7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 8
7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking will be available at the Ohio Expo Center for $10 per day. Arnold Express shuttle buses will run between the Ohio Expo Center and the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Friday, March 6
6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 7
6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 8
7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Reserved parking is available in the Greater Columbus Convention Center garages beginning at $30. Spots can be purchased here.
Parking is also available in the Arena District garages for $30 at the Chestnut Street Garage and $18 at the Front Street Garage. Those spots can be purchased here.
Multiple COTA routes serve the Greater Columbus Convention Center with stops within a short walking distance.
Routes: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 102 and CMAX
Service: Frequent departures every 15 to 30 minutes during peak hours
