By Heather Rader
Posted On: Mar 1, 2022
As the largest multi-sport event in the world, the Arnold Sports Festival welcomes thousands of sport fans to Central Ohio. The multi-day event is co-promoted by the legendary film star and body builder, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The event features more than 22,000 athletes from over 80 nations competing in 60+ sports and events held throughout Columbus from March 3-6th.
Here are 10 things not to miss at the 2022 Arnold Sports Festival:
Arnold EXPO
The Arnold EXPO will feature more than 1,000 booths of apparel, nutrition, sports equipment and entertainment. The EXPO is considered the heart of the event. The expo runs March 4-6th at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
NOTE: The Arnold Expo is included in all VIP Packages, Ultimate Expo Packages and Daily Expo Tickets.
IFBB Pro League and Arnold Amateur Competitions
As the headlining events of the Arnold Sports Festival, the professional and amateur bodybuilding and fitness competitions can't be missed! More than 700 athletes from around the world will compete in various championships including IFBB Pro League, Men's Physique and Pro Wheelchair.
Cheer on these athletes at competitions throughout the weekend. And say 'hello' during the The IFBB Pro League Meet & Greet at the Hilton Columbus on March 3rd at 7PM .
NOTE: Some competitions do have additional admission fees, be sure to check the schedule and website for details.
Scottish Highland Games
The Indoor Scottish Highland Games features more than 50 athletes competing in traditional Scottish sports. Competitors are in six divisions, competing in five of the standard events: Open Stone, Heavy weight for Distance, Weight over Bar, Sheaf and Cabe. The Games are held in Hall A of the Greater Columbus Convention Center on March 4th & 5th.
ROGUE Record Breakers
The ROGUE Record Breakers features professional strongman and strongwoman competitors in several events. Competitors who break world records will be submitted to the Guinness Book of Records. Catch the ROGUE Record Breakers competition on March 5th at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Youth DanceSport
Take twirl as the best youth through collegiate DanceSport athletes compete this year. Dancers compete for top scholarship prizes, and range from ages 4 and up. Over 1,200 competitors will be dancing in the Hyatt Regency Ballroom (near the Greater Columbus Convention Center) on March 5th & 6th.
Medieval Fighting
Making its debut this year is the Arnold Medieval Fighting Invitational. This international event features teams from the USA, Canada and China of armored combatants (80-100) fighting in a 5 on 5 Buhurt (tournament) with 14th -16th century armor and weapons. The event is held in Hall B of the Greater Columbus Convention Center on March 5th.
Arnold Foosball Championships
Featuring singles and doubles competition of all skill levels for welcome for this fast-paced fun game at the Arnold Foosball Championships. The foosball competitions are held from March 4-6th at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in the Eisenman & Trott Rooms.
Body Painting
Jan Tana's Bodypainting Revolution features a unique art exhibition and competition. Artists compete by painting models in public view with a theme (this year's is Trails & Triumphs). The Body Painting competition starts on March 4th and winners are revealed on March 5th in the Greater Columbus Convention Center's Batelle Grand.
Pickleball
The Arnold "Pickleball Smash" Classic returns this year. The event will be comprised of mixed doubles and women and men's doubles. Head to Scarborough East Tennis Club on March 4th & 5th to catch the action.
Martial Arts Festival
The Arnold Battle of Columbus (ABOC) Martial Arts Festival features martial arts from around the world. Competitions include Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Tai Chi, Weaponry and many more forms of marital arts. Seminars and workshops will be led by martial arts experts throughout the weekend. Meetings & Seminars are on March 4th, with the Festival in March 5th at the Ohio Expo Center's Voinovich Center/
Don't miss the 2022 Arnold Sports Festival!
For more sports fun in Ohio, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
