COLUMBUS, Ohio – About 175,000 fans will stream into Columbus this weekend to watch 18,000 competitors flex, pose, lift, twirl and otherwise display their athletic acumen during the 25th edition of the Arnold Sports Festival.
The festival – featuring 50 different sports and events — takes place through Sunday at five different locations, from the West Side to the OSU campus.
Events are scheduled at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Franklin County Veterans Memorial, LC Pavilion, Hollywood Casino and the Ohio State University’s French Field House. Former Olympians and Olympic hopefuls will appear or compete in 14 Olympic sports, including archery, boxing, gymnastics, judo, swimming, tennis, track and field, weightlifting and wrestling.
“The Arnold” debuted as the Arnold Classic in 1989 as a one-day professional men’s bodybuilding competition promoted by bodybuilder, budding film star and future governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger. It has expanded into what organizers say is the world’s largest multi-sport fitness weekend.
Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians should expect heavy traffic and some delays downtown and drivers are reminded to drive with extra caution because of the large amount of pedestrian traffic around the venues.
Arnold’s Pump & Run starts at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. The 5K Run starts at 10:30 a.m. Both races start at the intersection of High Street and Goodale Street.
There will be rolling street closures along the course.
Participants and spectators downtown will be directed by signs to parking. A free shuttle service will provide transportation from several downtown parking locations.
Also check COTA on the web for bus access.