The annual Arnold Sport Festival is this weekend, and if you aren’t going, you’ll wish you had. It’s the biggest sport festival in the world and will include twice as many competing athletes as the Olympics. There will be over 175,000 people in attendance over the weekend. It will truly be a spectacle. This is a day-by-day guide of the coolest stuff going on. You can also look at the official schedule and purchase tickets to the Expo and special events. .
Locations
[spoiler]Note that there are two primary locations for the fun stuff. The Greater Columbus Convention Center will be the primary location that includes the Expo, Weightlifting, Powerlifting, Strongman (pro and amateur), etc. Veterans Memorial is only about a mile away and is where all the bodybuilding and figure stuff is going on (including pre-judging, finals, etc.). The Arena Grand Movie Theater will host the Arnold Sport Film Festival, but I can’t imagine myself going over there unless they played Pumping Iron, Predator, or Conan on repeat (which is what they should do). There are much cooler things to see than independent films on high school football or empowered teenage girls who powerlift. I could be wrong, but I prefer to see the live entertainment at the convention center. The LC Pavilion will host the MMA Festival and the “Arnold Party With The Pros” (hang out with pro bodybuilders) — so two demographics I’ll undoubtedly want to avoid. Unless you’re viewing some of the bodybuilding shows (some of us are attending the finals on Saturday night), you’re only going to hang out in the convention center. [/spoiler]
Thursday
[spoiler]This is the first official day of the entire shindig. There’s some bodybuilding stuff going on at Veteran’s Memorial, but more importantly, there’s professional boxing on Thursday night. I’ve never seen boxing in person, so I’ll be attending and primarily shouting, “Hit him! C’mon, hit ’em!”. From what I see on TicketMaster, seating is assigned, so plan accordingly. You can get some tickets in the $20 range. [/spoiler]
Friday
[spoiler]Expo
Here’s where things get intense. This is Day 1 of the Expo, which lasts from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. There will be over 700 booths set up of people trying to sell shit, and there will be many fitness celebrities in attendance fulfilling their contractual obligations. I’ll definitely check it out, but this is going to be irritating for someone (like me) who hates large groups of people. Rest assure that with almost 200,000 people in attendance, at LEAST 30% are going to be jackasses. It’s simple statistics. Hopefully we can make up for it by asking people how much they curl and other various questions. Speaking of which, post funny questions to the comments; I’m gonna make a list of stock questions to use when we’re walking around.
Powerlifting
The Raw USAPL Championships begin at 8 AM (with women and lighter men’s classes) and should end around 1:30 PM. The heavier weight classes (105kg and up, including Chris/Mike/Alex and NolanPower) will be lifting from 2:00PM to 6:00PM. The quality of lifting should be pretty high; to qualify lifters needed a 375 in the Wilke’s formula, and only the first 75 entries were accepted. Raw powerlifting means there isn’t any supportive gear; knee sleeves and belts are allowed. USAPL often receives criticism, but they hold lifters to a high standard (the squats will be deep). There are a lot of good lifters, especially in the second session. I’ve been to two national USAPL Raw meets, and I suspect (hope?) that this one will be of the highest quality.
Olympic Weightlifting
This event counts for Senior Nationals and the Olympic Trials for USA Weightlifting. Each weight class had to meet a minimum qualifying total in order to compete. The lighter men’s and women classes lift earlier in the day. Notable men’s classes are the 77s (including Chad Vaughn) at 2:30PM, 85s (including Kendrick Farris) at 5:00 PM, and 94s (with five really good lifters) at 7:30 PM. There is also weightlifting on Saturday, including Donny Shankle at 10:00 AM. If you’ve never seen a national meet, this is a great opportunity to see a lot of different types of lifters.
Strongman
There will be amateur strongman stuff starting at 8:00 AM and running until 1:30PM. But the money maker is the Arnold Stronngman Classic with its impressive list of competitors. Unfortunately we are gonna miss this since it’s 2:00 to 4:00 PM schedule will be exactly when Chris/Mike/Alex are lifting, but there is more of it on Saturday. This would be amazing to see in person.
Fencing
I put this on here because apparently you can go and try it out. If there’s time, I definitely want to get my fence on. It’s just like Game of Thrones, right?
Other
There’s also plenty of other things I didn’t highlight. There is CrossFit (9AM to 6PM), Gymnastics (8AM to 10AM), Mighty Mitts grip challenge (4PM to 5PM), Table Tennis (1PM to 7PM), Boxing/MMA stuff (noon to 10PM) and all kinds of other frivolous bullshit (like cheerleading, fitness clinics, zumba, etc.). [/spoiler]
Saturday
[spoiler]There’s a lot of amazing stuff happening this day. I’ll only list the major differences from Friday, cause a lot of the same stuff is going on (like fencing, CrossFit, teenager shit, and dance/cheerleading). Note that the Mighty Mitts grip challenge is 3:30 to 4:30PM.
Expo
This is the same, but it opens earlier at 9AM and runs until 6PM.
Weightlifting
Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here? Donny Shankle has two chances to make the Olympic team. This is arguably the best shot. Lifting starts at 10:00 AM and will probably last until about noon. Remember that as of now, the men do not have a spot at the Olympics. However, if all the male competitors lift like shit a few weeks later at the Pan Ams, they will still earn a spot. The top guys include Chad Vaughn, Kendrick Farris, and Donny Shankle. They are all great lifters, and they are all still Americans, so let’s get behind them in their session. They’ll have another shot to better themselves at the Pan Ams, but flying out of country, going to South America, and eating bad food typically doesn’t result in optimal performance. This weekend will probably be the best shot.
Powerlifting – Single Ply Equipped
The North American Powerlifting Federation is having its championships at the Arnold. It’s similar to the “Pan Ams” for weightlifting and is a step up from USAPL but a step down from IPF World’s. Women and lighter men’s classes will lift from 9AM to 1PM, and heavier classes will lift from 2PM to 5:30PM. Expect big lifts and top levels of competition.
Arm Wrestling Finals
The preliminaries occur on Friday, but these finals last from 9AM to 10AM. I don’t think Stallone will be there. Still would be kinda cool to watch…maybe?
Strongman
Luckily this is going on since I will miss Friday’s events. Lasts from 1:30PM to 3:30PM and will be fucking awesome.
GNC ProPerformance Amp Pro Deadlift
This event is just big deadlift fun. Brad Gillingham has pulled 400kg in this competition in the past. Big deadlifts, nothin’ else. It’s one hour after the Strongman Classic finishes.
Other
Of course there’s other shit like CrossFit, World Jump Rope Championships, and table tennis. But that’s all secondary to the cool, big, and heavy stuff.
Bodybuilding Finals
Of course the fucking Men’s finals are going on Saturday night. This is the second biggest bodybuilding show of the year, and Arnold is going to be on stage. I don’t know if there’s much of a chance to see or meet him if you don’t pay the money to attend the “meet and greet”, but this will be the closest I’ve ever been to him…
But seriously, some of us are going to the show, and it should be, at the very least, entertaining. The event is at the auditorium.
[/spoiler]
Sunday
[spoiler]Honestly, there’s not a lot of stuff going on. Most people will be going home. Unless you like women’s weightlifting, amateur strongman, running a 5K, or the standard CrossFit/cheerleading/fencing/MMA/boxing shit, you’re not gonna be sticking around on this day. All of the badass stuff is happening Friday and mostly Saturday. [/spoiler]
Communicating
[spoiler]The easiest way to communicate with people over the weekend will be on Twitter (@70sBig). I can provide basic updates and let people know where the action is (regarding events or food). You guys can twat at me, but if you want everyone to see it then maybe we should use a #70sBig hash tag? If we use an #Arnold hash tag, it’ll get lost in the sea of 200,000 people. If you have a better suggestion, post it in the comments. I look forward to meeting and hanging out with those of you attending.
Oh, and don’t be afraid to come up and say hello. We are all just normal people and you don’t need to put anyone on a pedestal unless its Arnold himself. Come up, say hello, and we’ll probably shoot the shit with you. I’ve had people ask for pictures, which was weird for me, but just remember that there’s no reason you shouldn’t say hello. If we have some time, then we can talk training, programming, and whatnot too. You’re not a bother! Just be aware that if we are in the middle of the meet (i.e. I’m coaching) or an event, then it may be brief. Oh, and be prepared for everyone to be way more weird than you anticipate. We’ll twat where we’ll hang out on Friday and Saturday nights, so hopefully we can get a fun group together. [/spoiler]
Special Update
[spoiler]This is from a guy named Kyle, who is a Columbus Police Officer with some good information (he put it on the Facebook Fan Page):
Columbus Police Officer here. Here’s some tips for out-of-towners coming to Columbus.
Food: Closest Chipotle is at 401 N. Front St., but it is frequently closed–it is only open during special events, so I don’t know what it’s hours will be during the Arnold. Next closest Chipotle is about an 8 minute drive away from the convention center, in German Village at 488 S. High St. There is a Mongolian BBQ within walking distance of the convention center at Nationwide and Marconi Blvd (just south of Nationwide Arena). If you’re more into experiencing local food, check out Liz Lessner’s restaurants.
Closest grocery store to the Arnold is a Giant Eagle at 777 Neil Ave., which about a half mile away from the convention center.
Closest night life for bar hopping is on Park St. Cheapest alcohol is at Brothers bar, but we have the most problems (fights, etc.) there too. My favorite bar is Callahans just down the street. Crowd tends to be a little more mature. I’d avoid Mynt and Musiak, those are occasionally frequented by gang members. Rest of Park Street is pretty safe though.
The first Saturday of the month is always the (art) Gallery Hop in the Short North, which is the area just north of the Convention Center along High Street. It’s likely to be even busier than usual because of the warm weather forecasted.
I’ll one of many police officers you’ll see there patrolling the event itself and the parking lots. We do not have that much crime here in Columbus, but remember it is a metropolitan area, so be smart about hiding your valuables in your car and not leaving gym bags lying around unattended.
Thanks for the information, Kyle.[/spoiler]
Reps if you video yourself reciting the ‘Thick. Solid. Tight’ meme to any of the pro Bodybuilders/Weightlifters/Strongmen
Picks for the events?
I’m pulling for Evan Centopani for the Bodybuilding show. All lifters can benefit from listening to interviews with Evan about diet and nutrition, regardless of which sport is your focus.
Pulling for Misha K or Derek Poundstone for the Strongman show. Derek just put up a training vid with a 460 Axle Clean, 455 Log Press from the Rack, and 1005 Reverse Band Deadlift (a number Brian Shaw hit before winning the WSM).
Pulling for Travis Cooper, Matt Bruce, and Jared Fleming, and Donny Shankle in weightlifting.
I’ll be watching Donny’s lifting from the edge of my fucking seat at my desk Saturday morning.
lol’d hard @ “empowered teenage girls who powerlift”
Obligatory misc. question to ask:
Do you even lift?
This will be the stock question.
–Justin
Why on earth did a website that seems to support females training seriously, call cheerleading “frivolous bullshit?”
Not only that, I’m pretty sure most of your member base would support cute girls getting thrown in the air all fancy like.
Because nobody goes to the biggest sport festival in the world to watch cheerleading, you goober.
–Justin
i hate myself for not being able to go. FUCK MY JOB. But I will be there in social media spirit.
Q suggestions:
How much fish oil do you take?
What’s your Fran time?
How far can you throw a softball?
Oh and the only one of you I put on a pedestal is Brent. (very homo)
questions for hot fitness models.
“can you email patrick stroup @ [insert my email address] a picture of your butthole?”
or
“how do you feel about raw dog A2M?”
Kinda wish I wash going so I could run up behind Justin in a real crowded area, slap him on the ass and yell “70’S BIG, MOTHERFUCKERS. WOOOOOOOOOOO.”
I wish I could go to the Arnold. Bastard degree in bastard England.
“What’cha benchin?” ala Chris Farley and the old SNL skit.
Q for Arnold: donkey calf raises PR.
Q for me: those who live outside USA, where can we find info about live coverage of Arnold events? (except the link you’ve posted on fb)
Are you on steroids?
What’s your stack?
What’s your deadlift or squat (as opposed to bench press)?
Do you curl in the squat rack?
To folks with a bunch of bad tattoos or Tapout/Affliction shirts whatever they’re wearing now:
Hey, do you roll?
Penn – The strongman contest will most likely come down to Shaw and Big Z. Shaw just posted an insane Circus DB video where he pressed a 286.5 Circus DB. He is only getting better. I also expect Big Z to go for a 500 lb. log press.
Yosh, by rolling do you foam rolling or taking Molly?
My favorite fashion statements from past Arnolds:
Red-white-blue gi, mullet, handlebar moustache
7ft tall black bodybuilder in a full suit, which appeared to be snakeskin
Q: are you single? (with lisp)
Q: are you flexing?
Q: Do these steroids make my balls look small? (have sack already hanging out of pants)
Q: Ass Sphincter says what?
bummed i’m not going.
Crap, totally disregard my comment about the 500 lb. log press. Last I had heard the log press event was for max weight, but I just read the event rules and it is for max reps. Big Z should still dominate though.
Q: Who is your daddy and what does he do?
If Big Z does that 500 pound log press, the world will split in two. I think that would easily put Strongman at a higher “state of the art” than weightlifting, maybe even powerlifting.
Well if Big Z ever presses over 580 lbs he will be the best alive today. Beating Raz’s 263kg Cleand and Jerk.
“Q: Who is your daddy and what does he do?” – Maslow
YES
I wonder what Raz could do in the a log press. It’s a much less technical lift than a clean & jerk, so I don’t think technique would be too much of a limiting factor for him (as opposed to seeing what Big Z could C&J). Would be cool to see.
Flex then ask, U jelly?
Can I suggest #ArnoldBoner for the hashtag?
A Log Press may not be as technical as a gold medalists clean and jerk but it requires more arm strength.
Three things.
1. Stallone was at the Arm Wrestling finals the year before last. He presented the trophy to the winner.
2. Sunday is a good day to get equipment and stuff dirt cheap. The vendors don’t want to ship back all the samples so they sell it off. I got a York barbell last year for less than $100.
3. Arnold is always just walking around (surrounded by security) so the chances off running into him are pretty high.
zomg if you ARE going to go, make sure you wear your fucking affliction tee. matter of fact, turn it into a contest. with a group of friends, make a guess as to how many affliction/tap out tees you will see. at the end of the arnold, you should punch the winner in the balls.
Q: How much self tanner do you have to apply for those ABZZZZZZZ bro?
Just cut everyone off mid-sentence by pushing your finger into their chest and say this:
“But why play with small change when you can go for the BIG DOLLAZ”
http://www.70sbig.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/henderson.png
Q: how much do you jerk?
Q: can I see your snatch?
Q: do you know the shrug thug?
Hey Stankrom, not to be a faggot or anything, but I miss you, bro.
I’m kind of put off that you said “Honestly, there’s not a lot of stuff going on. Most people will be going home. Unless you like women’s weightlifting,…” Especially after all your posts on getting women to train.
You do realize that right now we have NO MALE SPOTS for the Olympics for weightlifting? We only have spots for women. Thanks for the support. Not that the awesome ladies like Amanda Sandoval or Chioma Amaechi need it.
It’s a valid point, and I should give them fair attention. The primary reason I didn’t cover them is that a) I do not know the intricacies of their qualification or stats like I do with the men and b) that information is not readily available and/or easily searchable. I don’t know any females that regularly post their training videos for people to follow.
Given that the largest portion of my readership consists of males who typically do not watch female sports, what I said is somewhat true, but I agree with you in that I downplayed it significantly. My apologies, madame.
Lastly, I’ll reiterate the point that the men will most likely (even with bad performances) earn their one spot to the Olympics, so they are still relevant.
–Justin
I could make up some bullshit excuse like “I have work”‘ but the real reason is I can’t becAuse I’d be ejaculating ALL day. Just like Arnold.
@Puke
I don’t know what the Molly thing was but I’ve heard people call jiu jitsu training rolling.
Rolling is common slang for taking MDMA(Molly) Didn’t know that it was a name jiu jitsu
If I was going these would be my go to questions:
Q: Why is your shirt on?
Q: Do you know Brent Kim?
You know you are running an awesome website when at least one person is offended by everything you post.
Anyways.
You should ask random fitness models for pictures then once you take one with them. Just look at them and say “no butthole no care”.
Don’t comment often but read regularly. I was annoyed at this post ignoring the women’s Olympic Trials, but I’ll try to do something useful and do my best to give you a rundown on who I feel the contenders are since you mentioned that there’s not much info going around on that. It got a little long, but the next paragraph is a summary. My data is based only on official competition totals from these athletes in the last two years.
Primarily, the weight classes to watch are the 58kg class and the 75+ class. The major hitters in here are Sarah Robles and Holley Mangold in the 75+, and Rizelyx Rivera and Amanda Sandoval in the 58kg category. Close following them are 2008 Olympian Natalie Burgener in the 63 class, Chioma Amaechi also in the 75+, and Hilary Katzenmeier in the 53 class. Keep in mind however that only two spots are available, so I think the lion’s share of the attention will be on the top four or five contenders.
First, I’m pretty confident that Sarah Robles is going to the Olympics – she’s a solid 2% points higher than her rivals in the scoring system, and she really just needs to not have a repeat of her Pan Am troubles to win a spot.
The second spot will be the real battleground: While Robles’ % score (the same method as the men’s) is 89.6%, the four athletes following her are all between 87.4% and 87.8%.
Sandoval and Rivera are actually tied at 87.8% of their qualifying total, their best recorded totals are 198 for each of them. Their rankings at any point in time fluctuate. Sandoval is slightly stronger in the snatch, but Rivera slightly better in the clean and jerk – it ain’t over till it’s over. Also, I must say that both of them are just awesome to watch, with some of the most impressive technique I’ve ever seen.
Right on their heels is Holley Mangold with an 87.5% score. She’s strong as an ox, but still pretty new to the sport. She’s been making huge strides but isn’t always the most consistent in her lifting – expect amazing things from her, but this particular meet will be hard to predict from her.
And in a very close 5th with an 87.4% score is returning Olympian Natalie Burgener, a long time favorite of the sport. I have heard rumor that she had until recently taken some time off to nurse a tight hip, but she seems to be getting back into full swing and many people are hoping to discover that her comeback was only just beginning.
This list is certainly not exhaustive, I’ve heard amazing training lifts are coming from Amaechi, Katzenmeier is fantastic and has enough heart to surprise us all, and we have a lot of other long time front runners on the start list, but with only two slots on the line I only covered the ones with the top few results in competition – someone could always surprise us on the day of.
The Olympic Trials will of course be webcast live via USAW’s website for those of you that can’t make it or have to head home early. Hope this was helpful in getting a feel for the women’s competition – which is unfortunately the only Olympic Trials we’ve earned the right to hold this year.
Hey man, thanks for not whining and being cool about it. This information is what I needed and I’m gonna throw it up in a post. Yesterday’s post took a long time to write just from checking schedules and times over and over. I wanted to include some information for each sport on who was vying for the win, but synthesized info like this isn’t readily available. Thanks again.
–Justin
Wow, longest comment ever. Sorry guys, didn’t even realize it.
Short version: Read if you want to know something about the women’s Weightlifting Olympic Trials.
@flipper, thanks for breaking this down. U.S. weightlifting is tough to follow; it’s not like there’s a ESPN page with these stats.
One question, though – where are you getting the scores from? The USAW’s 2012 Olympic Games Ranking seems to have different numbers, like Robles and Mangold tied at 87.12%.
http://assets.teamusa.org/assets/documents/attached_file/filename1/54676/Copy_of_2012_Olympic_Games_Ranking_List_post_JNats_2_9_12_Revision.pdf
A quick question. I have never been to a weightlifting competition, and I just had my first baby. Would it be way out of place if my wife and I sat in the back with a baby? If she makes a sound and/or cries and is quickly removed from the room, will everyone be pissed? Just curious…