02.23.2024

SUBSCRIBE | REFERRAL

Today’s Forecast

Jogging your memory

The history of the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus

Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2001 (left) + in 2023 (right) at the yearly sports festival in Columbus. | Photos via @arnoldsports

When Arnold Schwarzenegger vows to return — you trust him. Arnold is back, and he’s taking over the Columbus Convention Center from Thursday, Feb. 23-Sunday, March 3 for the Arnold Sports Festival.

As the festival enters into its 36th year of bodybuilding, weight lifting, and fitness, we wanted to look back on the last three decades. Grab your protein shaker, and get pumped for some history.

The beginning

It was 1970 and Columbus was hosting the Mr. World contest that coincided with that year’s World Weightlifting Championships. Columbus-native Jim Lorimer was promoting the event, and he is where our first contact began.

Jim reached out to Arnold about the contest, Arnold accepted, and won. The rest was history. Arnold fell in love with Columbus and promised to return (very on brand) which led to Jim and Arnold promoting the Mr. Olympia competition in Columbus for six times between 1976 through 1986.

CBUStoday Arnold Schwarzeneggar — Arnold Schwarzenegger as he does a light workout in 1975 for a documentary, “Pumping Iron.” | Photo by Harry Chase, Los Angeles Times via Wikicommons

New heights after Mr. Olympia

In 1989, Arnold and Jim were ready to unveil the first-ever Arnold Classic in Columbus at the Columbus Convention Center where the festival continues to run to this day. The four-day festival featured competitions for both men and women.

The modern Arnold

In 2006, the Arnold Classic went through a name change and became what it’s known as today — the Arnold Sports Festival. This change also brought many new additions of competitions including all-star cheerleading being added in 2014 and 70 sports and events added in 2016. Through popularity in Columbus, the Arnold has expanded into Europe, Australia, Africa, and Asia.

Now in 2024, it features 12,000+ athletes from across the globe, competing in 50+ sporting events. Experts estimate the festival generates a $50 million economic impact on the city each year thanks to visitors + competitors flocking in.

Asked

Have you ever been to an Arnold Sports Festival?

A. Yes, just once.
B. Yes, multiple times.
C. No, but I want to.
D. No, and I don’t want to.

Let us know

Events

Friday, Feb. 23

Females of Comedy | Friday, Feb. 23 | 7:30-9 p.m. | The Hashtag Comedy Co., 1253 N. High St., Clintonville | $17 | Laugh along with this touring group of all-women comedians originally from Canton.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Buffalo Sabers | Friday, Feb. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District | $50-$305 | Cheer on the Jackets as they face this foe from the Eastern Conference.

Saturday, Feb. 24

Maternal Mental Health Summit | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Columbus Metropolitan Library, 96 S. Grant Ave., Downtown | Free | Mothers and expecting mothers are invited to listen to expert speakers, join workshops, and discover resources.

Sunday, Feb. 25

Project Pet | Sunday, Feb. 25 | 1-4 p.m. | Pinot’s Palette, 691 N. High St., Short North | $70 | This expert-led class will provide all supplies so you can paint a portrait of your pet.

Monday, Feb. 26

Columbus Fury vs. Vegas Thrill | Monday, Feb. 26 | 7 p.m. | Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District | $25-$150 | Cheer on Columbus’ newest sports team as they look to build a winning streak.

100+ more local events

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

A local developer proposed a mixed-used building with 200+ apartment units in an abandoned lot in Dublin. The project will now undergo an informal review process by Dublin officials. If approved, it could transform a 16-acre site into residential living and businesses with large green spaces. (Columbus Business First)

Concert

Jelly Roll, a Grammy-nominated country artist from Nashville, is coming to Nationwide Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The singer has had multiple projects top the country Billboard charts, including his debut album, “Whitsitt Chapel.” Tickets go on sale Friday, March 1 at 10 a.m.

Theater

Disney’s “Lion King” will be on stage at the Ohio Theatre for four weeks starting Wednesday, June 12 through Sunday, July 7. Tickets are now on sale, and start at $30.

Opening

CoHatch, a popular coworking venue, will open a new location in Powell that features a rooftop bar serving craft cocktails + local spirits. This will be the first rooftop bar for Powell, and it will feature retractable roofs with heaters so it can open all year. (614now)

Health

Take an insider’s look at the Wexner Medical Center’s $1.9 billion inpatient tower after it surpassed the 75% completion mark. The project is expected to be finished and opened by Spring 2026. (The Columbus Dispatch)

Theater

Pick up free concert tickets to ProMusica Chamber events thanks to a new partnership with the Columbus Metropolitan Library. The Library will now offer free passes to all 23 ProMusica locations in the city. A valid library card is required. (NBC4)

Trending

Did you miss the Drake + J. Cole concerts this week? That’s why you read this newsletter. Head over to CBUStoday’s Instagram page for our recap of the incredible show.

Watch

History was made on Wednesday evening after the Columbus Fury secured its first-ever win in franchise history. The Fury defeated the Omaha Supernovas at home 3-1. The squad plays again at home on Saturday, Feb. 24 against Vegas Thrill.

Sports

Is Ohio State the favorite to make it to the Big Ten Championship this year? Who would they face? Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Buckeyes football team with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Finance

These four credit cards offer 0% intro APR for up to 18 months — meaning that when life piles up (unexpected tax payments, medical appointments, picking up the bill for the whole table at Vaso...) — you could have almost two years to avoid interest charges.*

Opening

🐟 Catch of the day

Hank’s Seafood announces downtown CBUS opening for 2024

CBUStoday Hank's Seafood Lounge Rendering 1

Hank’s will feature a large private dining room and a lounge area, which is pictured above. | Rendering via Hank’s Seafood

Columbus may not be near the ocean, but a new Charleston-based restaurant is arriving downtown to change our waves.

Hank’s Seafood, a 25+ year old restaurant originally from South Carolina, is opening a new location on the corner of High and Gay Streets in downtown this spring. The restaurant is most known for its selection of sustainably sourced seafood, ranging from lump crab to raw oysters.

This new location will feature 17-ft ceilings and plenty of wood paneling to create a warm environment. Guests will be able to see into the kitchen from select seats and watch as cooks quickly shuck oysters for the raw bar. It will also have an outdoor patio which will be near the recently added “Current” display in the area.

We have a gallery full of interior design renderings on our website. Just click here.

The Buy

The Buy 2.23.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Chips and salsa, because honestly, is there a better snack? Sobremesa’s salsa is well worth the chip dip with flavors including layered, complex Mole Poblano + spicy Smoky Salsa Oaxaqueña.

Share CBUStoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_8}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Mitch

From the editor

Shout out to the reigning Arnold Sports champion, Mitchell Hooper. No, not me; I get winded after 15 minutes on the StairMaster. This Mitchell Hooper can squat 700 lbs, and he’ll be back to defend his title at the Arnold this weekend.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY