COLUMBUS – The world’s largest multi-sports festival returns to Columbus this weekend, bringing thousands of athletes and spectators to more than a dozen locations around the city.
Approximately 22,000 participants from 80 different countries and over 200,000 spectators will see some or all of the 2019 Arnold Sports Festival between Thursday and Sunday.
“There’s a lot of work that goes into this event every year. We always over-deliver. I’m looking forward to coming to Columbus and being part of the experience,” said namesake and co-founder Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The 2019 Arnold Sports Festival
Feb 28-March 3
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Ohio Expo Center and other locations
From axe throwing to youth dancesport, athletes will compete in a record 80 sports at 14 different locations, headlined by the professional bodybuilding and strongman competitions featured daily at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
New to the festival this year are speed cubing, in which contestants race to solve puzzles, and the Viking Dash Trail Runs at Delaware State Park, the first time an event has been scheduled outside Columbus.
Other new events in 2019 include armlifting, foosball, futsal, high school weightlifting and Ninja Warrior.
The 31st Arnold Classic will be held at the Battelle Grand inside the convention center on Saturday, along with the Bikini International, Arnold Men’s Physique and Arnold Strongman Classic Finals.
The Arnold Amateur NPC Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, Bikini & Physique Championships will be held at the Battelle Grand and Arnold Fitness EXPO Thursday through Saturday and is expected to attract more than 700 athletes.
At the Arnold Fitness EXPO, Friday through Sunday at the convention center, spectators can browse more than 1,000 booths featuring the latest sports equipment, apparel and nutrition and watch lectures and demonstrations on four stages. Hours: Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Arnold SportsWorld Kids & Teens EXPO at the the Ohio Expo Center’s Bricker Building Saturday and Sunday features events like baton twirling, pro and amateur boxing, cheerleading and dance, futsal, gymnastics, martial arts and pickleball. The family-oriented event is free for kids 14 and under.
Admission to the Arnold Fitness EXPO, most events at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the Arnold SportsWorld Kids & Teens EXPO and all events at the Ohio Expo Center are included in the daily EXPO Ticket for $20 each in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets at the Ohio Expo Center are $20 at the door on event weekend. Parking at the Ohio Expo Center will be $10. Free shuttles run from the Expo Center to the Greater Columbus Convention Center Friday through Sunday.