The Arnold Classic.

[uhockey]

Hey all, quick question. Anyone ever gone to the Arnold Classic, specifically the expo? My spring break just so happens to occur during the classic this year and I have a lot of buddies in Columbus I've been planning to see anyhow. I was just wondering if tickets to the expo can be bought at the door or if they must be purchased in advance? What about the bodybuilding competitions at Veterans? Also, how are prices and samples at the expo? Any info would be appreciated, thanks.

[j_neatherlin]

The ASC expo is definitely a good time. Tickets can be purchased at the venue...I think it's like $10/day. It's worth it for sure. You get so many free samples and they have AWESOME deals on supplements. I didn't go to any of the competitions, but I think pre-judging tickets aren't too hard to come by...but the finals tickets are impossible to find unless you've purchased them ahead of time.

[cardioking]

I go to the expo every year for the last 4 years or so. Anyway, yes tickets are $10 and can be purchase at the door (show up early the line is long). I prefer buying them at the door because the tickets are really small (kind of like the ones you get at high school basketball games). The expo is very worth the money. You can see top bodybuilders and fitness/ figure girls and everyone has a name tag so you know who they are (some look different in person). You get free supp. samples, shirts, and little things that companies use for advertisement (metrx had stop watches, sun visors, shirts and things like that). Some companies have magazines of literature. This year is going to be a big Olympic theme and there will be gold medalists from Athens Olympics

[MotoGirl]

As cardioking mentioned, arrive to the expo early if you have to buy tickets at the door. The lines are HUGE. Personally, I'd get them beforehand so you don't have to waste time waiting. If you must get them at the door, if you go with buddies, have one stand in line and the others seek tickets at another side door. One friend in my group of three didn't have his ticket for the expo and we found a table far from the main lines selling tickets.

The expo is fantastic and to echo the others, lots of freebies and plenty of opportunities to see your favorite bodybuilders.

If you plan to attend the finals, definitely purchase in advance and do it as soon as possible. The men's show is the most popular and will sell out.

If you aren't too familiar with downtown Columbus, while you can walk to Vets from the expo, I don't recommend it. There are some sketchy blocks along the way, though you probably wouldn't be alone.

Also, plan on a decent walk to the expo if you don't arrive early on.

If you want to find a good place to eat, there's a place about two blocks or so that has the BEST bison burgers (they encourage medium rare and I wholly agree) I've ever had. Perhaps someone will post the name as I can't recall it at this time. But it was fantastic!! :)

[uhockey]

I went to school at Ohio State for 4 years, know the area just fine. :) As for the scetchy blocks........there are far worse in other big cities and that area has gotten A LOT nicer since they inserted Nationwide Arena and the Arena district. Regarding food, there are a TON of places in downtown Cbus to eat, but if you want something truly unique/rare/gem of the city look up a place called Thurman's in the German Village. It's not exactly bodybuilding food, but as a cheat, they have burgers that were featured on Food Network's "Top 5" hamburgers. Thanks for the info, I'll definitely be there.

[MotoGirl]

I grew up in the area and also went to OSU, and while I know that there are a dozen blocks that are far worse than that immediate area, it was worth mentioning since I'm sure you won't be the only one asking similar questions and having concerns. :)

The next time I'm in the area, I may be interested in Thurman's. Sounds cool! But for those attending the Arnold who want to take a quick break for lunch outside the venue, the buffalo burger restaurant is a place worth considering. Lots of folks from the expo hit it for lunch since bison is lean and delicious. As if that's not enough, there's plenty of eye candy for either sex. :D

Hopefully you'll note what has been mentioned about the long lines for the expo and availability of tickets for the men's shows if that's what interests you. They go very fast.

To those fortunate to attend this year, I'm sure you'll be in for a real treat, especially if it's your first time attending. :)

[Paul H]

I'll be coming over for the show and have got myself a VIP ticket. Has anyone been to the buffet in the evening ? Does anyone know if there is a dress code ? I can't wait ! Might see some of you there !

Paul

[TameMe]

Does anyone know of any supplement companies that are looking for girls for their booths for the Arnold?
Tamee

[str8flexed]

I'll be there are the Primaforce/Scivation booth

Oh and the arnold classic is soooo ridiculously fun; I can't wait

-Layne

[Not So Big]

yeahhh im going, finally going to see my first bodybuilding competition..

Im going to feel really small there I bet, theres probly alot of huge guys walkin around. Should be cool tho..


Anyone going to pre juding also? I am.. and the nightshow and expo. Going from Florida so it better be good lol

[str8flexed]

yeahhh im going, finally going to see my first bodybuilding competition..

Im going to feel really small there I bet, theres probly alot of huge guys walkin around. Should be cool tho..


Anyone going to pre juding also? I am.. and the nightshow and expo. Going from Florida so it better be good lol


I actually think the expo is more fun than the show... that's just me though

[Not So Big]

I actually think the expo is more fun than the show... that's just me though
yeah it mite be, but I am looking forward to the show also since i never seen one.

[str8flexed]

yea, it's fun but i have a real hard time watching... makes me want to compete really bad

[uhockey]

yea, it's fun but i have a real hard time watching... makes me want to compete really bad

From your pics I've seen you look like you should compete dude. If only they had a Brains + Brawn competition you'd kick some ass. :) Look forward to seeing you there.

[Not So Big]

From your pics I've seen you look like you should compete dude. If only they had a Brains + Brawn competition you'd kick some ass. :) Look forward to seeing you there.
he does compete lol

maybe seeing the arnold will inspire me to compete sooner


I think my seats are on the balcony.. do i need binoclulars? hopeflly not many people at pre judging and i can sit close to the stage

[str8flexed]

From your pics I've seen you look like you should compete dude. If only they had a Brains + Brawn competition you'd kick some ass. :) Look forward to seeing you there.

I do compete, i've competed many times. What I mean is I hate watching a show because it makes me want to be onstage RIGHT THEN. lol :D

[impossible702]

I do compete, i've competed many times. What I mean is I hate watching a show because it makes me want to be onstage RIGHT THEN. lol :D

that pic is badass str8!

[uhockey]

I do compete, i've competed many times. What I mean is I hate watching a show because it makes me want to be onstage RIGHT THEN. lol :D

Lookin huge man. I knew you competed, comment just came out wrong. Regardless, it's always impressive to me to see people who hit the books just as hard as they hit the weights.

[str8flexed]

Lookin huge man. I knew you competed, comment just came out wrong. Regardless, it's always impressive to me to see people who hit the books just as hard as they hit the weights.


hey thanks man... I appreciate it

[EME]

Hey Guys,

Kendra and I will see you all there too!
Can't wait. It's going to be a lot of fun. :)

We're looking forward to meeting everyone!

- EME


P.S. - That is a great pic Layne. I don't remember seeing that one. Nice!

[blockzilla]

So where's the place to work out in C-bus? I'm flying in Thursday to visit my girlfriend, but she has to work until 11pm Thursday so I'm just going to take her car and hit the gym Thursday night, then maybe again after the expo on Friday. Suggestions?

Also, we are definitely going to the Expo on Friday. We were in Vegas during the Olympia and the Expo there was alot of fun and definitely worth it for all the free stuff. She's not exactly a huge bodybuilding fan but I might be able to talk her into going Saturday as well. 4 more weeks!

[EME]

..... 4 more weeks!

Yeah! Can't wait. Our tickets should be here tomorrow or Wednesday! :)

- EME

[str8flexed]

Hey Guys,

Kendra and I will see you all there too!
Can't wait. It's going to be a lot of fun. :)

We're looking forward to meeting everyone!

- EME


P.S. - That is a great pic Layne. I don't remember seeing that one. Nice!

thanks buddy, look foreward to meeting you at the arnold.

-Layne

[dieselj]

thanks buddy, look foreward to meeting you at the arnold.

-Layne
Layne, I missed that round of pictures. You look sick! I knew you wouldn't peak to soon. Got a link for the rest of them bro?

PM the email you use the most, I want to drop you a line and let you know what is new.

[omnicore]

This was posted by someone else but if you go to:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/10927

Buy One Expo Ticket,
Get One FREE!

1. Click on Find Tickets.
2. Look for box marked "Experience Columbus Offer."
3. Enter your password.
4. Select number of tickets. Discount will appear on the transaction page.
Your password is:

GETFIT

[EME]

Woo Hoo!

Our tickets just arrived!

Just thought I'd share. :)

Can't wait to see everyone in a few weeks!

- EME

[str8flexed]

Woo Hoo!

Our tickets just arrived!

Just thought I'd share. :)

Can't wait to see everyone in a few weeks!

- EME

yea i'm freaking stoked; there is going to be sooo many people there!

[CitadelArmyJAG]

I go to the expo every year for the last 4 years or so. Anyway, yes tickets are $10 and can be purchase at the door (show up early the line is long). I prefer buying them at the door because the tickets are really small (kind of like the ones you get at high school basketball games). The expo is very worth the money. You can see top bodybuilders and fitness/ figure girls and everyone has a name tag so you know who they are (some look different in person). You get free supp. samples, shirts, and little things that companies use for advertisement (metrx had stop watches, sun visors, shirts and things like that).

I have never had a chance to go until this year. I am excited. A guy told me this morning that if you bring a $100, things are so cheap that you can get around $1,000 of stuff. Are things really that cheap???? Damn I hope so!

[EME]

I have never had a chance to go until this year. I am excited. A guy told me this morning that if you bring a $100, things are so cheap that you can get around $1,000 of stuff. Are things really that cheap???? Damn I hope so!

Hey CitadelArmyJAG,

You can easily get $100's worth of supplements for free if you are going to be there over the full weekend. Supplement companies will be giving away tons of samples at their booths. They will give you big bags with their company logo's on them, and you can walk from booth to booth filling up your bag. You could easily fill up several bags per day if you wanted to.

One of the best times to be there is right before the expo ends. Companies will just offload all the items they haven't given away yet. I have gotten full boxes of bars and full month supply sizes of protein powders at the end.

I still have tons of protein powder supplements left from the Junior Nationals last June, and from the Nationals last November.

I have found that the things that are actually being sold, are usually pretty close to normal prices, i.e. clothes, etc.

It will definitely be a great time!

I'm especially looking forward to the After Party / Buffet with the competitors after the Arnold Classic Finals. ( Even though I won't be able to eat anything there ) :)

- EME



-

[CitadelArmyJAG]

This was posted by someone else but if you go to:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/10927

Buy One Expo Ticket,
Get One FREE!

1. Click on Find Tickets.
2. Look for box marked "Experience Columbus Offer."
3. Enter your password.
4. Select number of tickets. Discount will appear on the transaction page.
Your password is:

GETFIT


Thanks so much for posting that link. I just got tickets for my wife and I for the whole 3 days. Money is tight and the discount is much appreciated. I dont mind not having to wait in line forever either! We are so pumped to go to this thing. I just wish I could take my wife to the ball and buffet saturday night... We dont have anywhere near that kind of money though. At $350 a ticket, I have no idea who can afford that, but I sure as hell know that Second Lieutenant's pay isn't going to cover one ticket much less too. Oh well... Happy just to go and see the expo. Thanks again.

[EME]

Thanks so much for posting that link. I just got tickets for my wife and I for the whole 3 days. Money is tight and the discount is much appreciated. I dont mind not having to wait in line forever either! We are so pumped to go to this thing. I just wish I could take my wife to the ball and buffet saturday night... We dont have anywhere near that kind of money though. At $350 a ticket, I have no idea who can afford that, but I sure as hell know that Second Lieutenant's pay isn't going to cover one ticket much less too. Oh well... Happy just to go and see the expo. Thanks again.


I know what you mean bro.
The tickets were really steep. Plus they threw on another $50 in fees and delivery charges.

Oh well, it better be fun!

We need to put a list together of everyone from the forum that's going so we can meet each other ( for those that want to, of course ).

- EME

[CitadelArmyJAG]

I know what you mean bro.
The tickets were really steep. Plus they threw on another $50 in fees and delivery charges.

Oh well, it better be fun!

We need to put a list together of everyone from the forum that's going so we can meet each other ( for those that want to, of course ).

- EME

Sounds great... I would love to put a face with the great guys on this forum... Its a good distraction away from my law books. My wife would probably be more readily recognizable than I am.... She is South American... I met her when I was down there with a group of other Citadel Cadets four years ago, and we just got married this september.

[Not So Big]

Hey CitadelArmyJAG,

You can easily get $100's worth of supplements for free if you are going to be there over the full weekend. Supplement companies will be giving away tons of samples at their booths. They will give you big bags with their company logo's on them, and you can walk from booth to booth filling up your bag. You could easily fill up several bags per day if you wanted to.

One of the best times to be there is right before the expo ends. Companies will just offload all the items they haven't given away yet. I have gotten full boxes of bars and full month supply sizes of protein powders at the end.

I still have tons of protein powder supplements left from the Junior Nationals last June, and from the Nationals last November.

I have found that the things that are actually being sold, are usually pretty close to normal prices, i.e. clothes, etc.

It will definitely be a great time!

I'm especially looking forward to the After Party / Buffet with the competitors after the Arnold Classic Finals. ( Even though I won't be able to eat anything there ) :)

- EME



-

good I wanna get a bunch of free stuff. Do they have cool shirts there with bodybuilding logo's on them for sale to?

cant wait for the arnold its so soon

[str8flexed]

yes, but don't buy any shirts for god's sakes, bunches of people give them away

[Not So Big]

yes, but don't buy any shirts for god's sakes, bunches of people give them away
oh thats even better then, I just wanna get a couple pictures and some autographs of the pro's.. theres probly them real hot fitness models there to rite

[jpdn83]

Hey St8...u go to U of I? Just wondering b/c I have a ton of friends that go there...Anyways...The Arnold Classic is going to be great. Last year I had the time of my life...it's just too bad that the VIP photo with Arnold is cancelled this year due to security reasons, at least I got one last year! I got a picture with Sly last year too, those were the highlights of the trip for me, along with about 20 free t shirts, hundreds of dollars worth of supps etc, and of course all of the gorgeous women :)...I went to the NO2 booth and they gave me 6 bottles of it the day they were packing up! It was great. I have VIP tix again so hopefully everything will be just as good as last year. I'm staying at the Hyatt connected to the Convention center so I wont have to haul huge bags of supps and stuff around downtown columbus like last year...walking all the way down to the westin. So yeah...im up to meet ppl from the board as well.

jon

[EME]

Hey jpdn83,

Kendra and I have VIP tickets too, so we'll see you at the after party! :)

Hopefully we can swing some after party tickets for CitadelArmyJAG and his wife too.

See you in a few weeks!

- EME



Hey St8...u go to U of I? Just wondering b/c I have a ton of friends that go there...Anyways...The Arnold Classic is going to be great. Last year I had the time of my life...it's just too bad that the VIP photo with Arnold is cancelled this year due to security reasons, at least I got one last year! I got a picture with Sly last year too, those were the highlights of the trip for me, along with about 20 free t shirts, hundreds of dollars worth of supps etc, and of course all of the gorgeous women :)...I went to the NO2 booth and they gave me 6 bottles of it the day they were packing up! It was great. I have VIP tix again so hopefully everything will be just as good as last year. I'm staying at the Hyatt connected to the Convention center so I wont have to haul huge bags of supps and stuff around downtown columbus like last year...walking all the way down to the westin. So yeah...im up to meet ppl from the board as well.

jon

[str8flexed]

Hey St8...u go to U of I? Just wondering b/c I have a ton of friends that go there...Anyways...The Arnold Classic is going to be great. Last year I had the time of my life...it's just too bad that the VIP photo with Arnold is cancelled this year due to security reasons, at least I got one last year! I got a picture with Sly last year too, those were the highlights of the trip for me, along with about 20 free t shirts, hundreds of dollars worth of supps etc, and of course all of the gorgeous women :)...I went to the NO2 booth and they gave me 6 bottles of it the day they were packing up! It was great. I have VIP tix again so hopefully everything will be just as good as last year. I'm staying at the Hyatt connected to the Convention center so I wont have to haul huge bags of supps and stuff around downtown columbus like last year...walking all the way down to the westin. So yeah...im up to meet ppl from the board as well.

jon


yea i go to the grad school at U of I

[mondesi02]

uhockey - your going? I will be there with the bodybuilding.com crew. I wouldn't meeting you man..let me know.

..

[uhockey]

uhockey - your going? I will be there with the bodybuilding.com crew. I wouldn't meeting you man..let me know.

..

Yeah man, c-bus is my college town and I haven't been back for about 2 years due to school. Thankfully the expo falls on my spring break. I haven't yet determined what day I'm going, but when I do I'll let you know. Are you working for BB.com now, like getting paid? If so I need to invest more time in writing my inspirational story. :)

[mrbigshot51]

I dont have enough money to go to everything... If I had to buy the bare minimum of tickets for the event, what should I definately go to?

[EME]

If you buy tickets to the expo ( 10$ per day ) you will get to see everything but the pre-judging of bodybuilding, and the finals of fitness, figure, and bodybuilding.

Here is the schedule of everything you get to see for 10$ per day:

* Items with asterick all available with daily EXPO ticket


Friday, March 4th

11:00 a.m. - noon *
Armwrestling Eliminations


Noon - Ms. International Prejudging * ( Women's Bodybuilding )
Noon - Fitness International Prejudging *
Noon - Figure International Prejudging *

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Arnold Strongest Man *

6:00 p.m.
Arnold Fitness EXPO Closes - Columbus Convention Center


Saturday, March 5, 2005
10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Dazzling Mills Family - Acrobatics *

10:30 a.m. - Noon
Armwrestling Finals *

12 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Arnold Strongest Man *

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
World Record Bench Press *

4:00 - 4:15 p.m.
Live Like A Pro Challenge *

4:15 - 4:45 p.m.
DanceSport *

4:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Fencing *

5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Yoga For Sports *

6:00 p.m.
Arnold Fitness EXPO Closes



Sunday, March 6, 2005
10:00 a.m. - noon
Olympic Weightlifting *
East Coast vs. West Coast *
Olympic Team Challenge *

Noon - 12:30 p.m.
Dazzling Mills Family - Acrobatics *

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Fitness Fashion Show *

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Table Tennis *

3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Archery *

3:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Cheerleading - Dance Teams *

4:00 p.m.
Arnold Fitness EXPO Closes
Columbus Convention Center


In addition to all these events, the Expo tickets get you into the area where all the vendors will be setup giving away free samples, etc.

If you want to go the Pre-Judging and Finals of the Men's Bodybuilding, or the Finals of the Womens' Bodybuilding, Fitness, and Figure, you'll have to buy additional tickets for these events.

- EME



I dont have enough money to go to everything... If I had to buy the bare minimum of tickets for the event, what should I definately go to?

[n8trick]

If you are a gymnastics fan. Paul Hamm and Blaine Wilson will be doing exhibitions at some point. Not sure when but check out the schedule, I beleive the gymnastics is right next to the expo. The jr male meet is not very big and not a lot of the top gymnasts, but there are a couple of really good gyms there, if you just are interested in seeing gymnastics live. Level 10 is the highest so the higher the level competing the better the gymnasts. I think level 7-10 competes for males on saturday around 1:00 and also on sunday afternoon. Just something else to check out. (I believe the guys is way in the back). Its free with Expo ticket.

Its a huge meet for girls - so you can see that. Again level 10 is the highest. The lower levels are compulsory (meaning same music same routines). These meets will be going the entire weekend.

[uhockey]

Loved every minute of it.

http://www.forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=426743

[Jhendi82]

This was my first time at the Classic and it was fantastic. I saw some of my favorite pros including the current Mr.Olympia. My advice to anyone who hasn't gone yet is to try to get there early tomorrow, because it was packed when we went about 3:00pm this afternoon.

[CitadelArmyJAG]

This was posted by someone else but if you go to:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/10927

Buy One Expo Ticket,
Get One FREE!

1. Click on Find Tickets.
2. Look for box marked "Experience Columbus Offer."
3. Enter your password.
4. Select number of tickets. Discount will appear on the transaction page.
Your password is:

GETFIT
Anybody find any awesome Promotionals like this for this years classic?!?!

[Mudhif2]

I just had to put in that I will be competing in the expo. Not in bodybuilding this time, but in the olympic weightlifting section of the expo. See you guys down there.

[str8flexed]

I just had to put in that I will be competing in the expo. Not in bodybuilding this time, but in the olympic weightlifting section of the expo. See you guys down there.
good luck bro!

[CitadelArmyJAG]

Anybody find any awesome Promotionals like this for this years classic?!?!
^^bump???

[Nicole Weeks]

The Arnold Expo is awesome!!! Bring an empty suitcase because you will bring home your weight in free samples...enough to compensate for your travel expenses!!!

I went in 2000 and bought the VIP package which had the banquet and pic with Arnold and that was a blast. People wore whatever. From clubwear to formal to just clean cut.

I'm working the Gamma-O booth on Saturday and then doing the Fashion Show on Sunday afternoon! CHECK IT OUT!!!!

-Nicole
www.nicoleweeks.com

[sjl25]

Anybody recommend any hotels within walking distance of the expo? Thanks.

[jer @h2o]

Anybody recommend any hotels within walking distance of the expo? Thanks.
I posted this in another thread too.

The Crowne Plaza, Hyatt, Red Roof, Hampton Inn, and one other that are next to the convention center.

Might be real hard to find a room at any now though.

[Nicole Weeks]

The Arnold Expo is awesome!!! Bring an empty suitcase because you will bring home your weight in free samples...enough to compensate for your travel expenses!!!

I went in 2000 and bought the VIP package which had the banquet and pic with Arnold and that was a blast. People wore whatever. From clubwear to formal to just clean cut.

I'm working the Gamma-O booth on Saturday and then doing the Fashion Show on Sunday afternoon! CHECK IT OUT!!!!

-Nicole
www.nicoleweeks.com

Had a great time at the Arnold, and worked the GammaO booth on Saturday! WHAT A BLAST! Can't wait to do it again next year, or maybe another fitness expo somewhere else. Anyone have any ideas?

[Alb19732]

Had a great time at the Arnold, and worked the GammaO booth on Saturday! WHAT A BLAST! Can't wait to do it again next year, or maybe another fitness expo somewhere else. Anyone have any ideas?
Very nice back shot Nicole! How many shows do you attend a year?

[Nicole Weeks]

Very nice back shot Nicole! How many shows do you attend a year?

Thanks!

Are you talking about bodybuilding or trade shows? Bodybuilding: just the shows I compete in for figure (2/year) or the amateur shows I judge (1 or 2/year). Trade shows: that was my first one. I wish I could do more, but I still haven't gotten the attention of a good talent management company here in Orlando yet to put me to work at more of them. *hint hint!*

-Nicole

[Alb19732]

Thanks!

Are you talking about bodybuilding or trade shows? Bodybuilding: just the shows I compete in for figure (2/year) or the amateur shows I judge (1 or 2/year). Trade shows: that was my first one. I wish I could do more, but I still haven't gotten the attention of a good talent management company here in Orlando yet to put me to work at more of them. *hint hint!*

-Nicole
Are those bodybuilding/figure shows generally in the Orlando area?

[Nicole Weeks]

Are those bodybuilding/figure shows generally in the Orlando area?

No, as a pro I fly all over for my competitions. Judging a show in Buffalo, NY at the end of April. Competing in Georgia at the end of July. Then doing the World's in NYC in November.

-Nicole