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Home » CrossFit News » Ultimate Spectator’s Guide for the 2025 CrossFit Games

Ultimate Spectator’s Guide for the 2025 CrossFit Games

Written by Julia Papworth
Last updated on July 31st, 2025

Welcome to Albany, NY — the 2025 host of the CrossFit Games — where the roar of the fittest crowd on Earth meets the clang of barbells.

As you cheer for the top athletes in the sport, this guide is your go-to resource for making the most of the weekend. It covers everything from finding a local gym to train, to knowing where and when to attend key activations, workouts around the arena, and other events throughout the city.

Table of Contents

  • Know Before You Go
  • Community Events
  • Affiliate Owners
  • Other Events

Know Before You Go

You need an MVP Arena ticket to watch the competition. Single-day tickets are available for purchase.

  • Don’t have a ticket? You can watch the competition live throughout Vendor Village.
  • The CrossFit Experience will be open to the public at the MVP Arena Atrium, Jennings Landing, or the Albany Capital Center (ACC). Tickets are not required to enter these areas.

Make sure to download the 2025 CrossFit Games Event Guide App for more details on the CrossFit Experience:

  • Use it to follow your favorite athletes and teams on the leaderboard.
  • Register for your own workouts, create custom schedules, and get event notifications.
  • Access venue maps, local info, and social media updates. 

Bag Policy:

  • Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed. Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” (about the size of a hand) are permitted and do not have to be clear. Larger bags and other types are not allowed. There is no storage or check-in for prohibited bags. 

Community Events

CrossFit Games Event 1 Community Workout

After watching the athletes crush the first event of the 2025 CrossFit Games at 8 a.m. on Friday, it’s your turn! 

  • Spectators do not need a ticket to watch this event!
    • Sign up for a heat anytime throughout the weekend, head to Jennings Landing, and get ready to run and row. 
    • The workout is timed and scored, so you to see where you rank on the leaderboard. 
    • The CrossFit Seminar Staff will be there to lead you, and scaled options are available.
  • Schedule:
    • August 1-2 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
    • August 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • The workout: “Run, Row, Run”
    • For time:
      • 4-mile run
      • 3,000-meter row
      • 2-mile run

Participants can register for this event via the CrossFit Games Event app.

The Army Fitness Test

Are you fit enough to pass the Army Fitness Test?

  • When: Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Jennings Landing.
  • The Test
    • Three-rep-max deadlift
    • AMRAP in two minutes of hand-release push-ups 
    • Sprint-drag-carry series
    • Max plank hold 
    • Two-mile run

Fans will register for this event via the CrossFit Games Event app. 

Meet and Greet with Armwrestling Champion Travis Bagent

Meet world champion Travis Bagent and test your armwrestling strength! Stay afterward to watch the National Armwrestling League in an official tournament – no registration needed. 

  • Where and when: MVP Arena Atrium on August 2.
    • 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Test your armwrestling strength against Travis Bagent and Michelle Dougan with various movements, such as the sledgehammer hold, a 45-lb bumper plate flip, and more.
    • 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Spectate the National Armwrestling League pro/am tournament.
    • 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Test your armwrestling strength against Travis Bagent and Michelle Dougan.

CrossFit Mayhem Community Workouts

Get a workout in with CrossFit Mayhem before you watch the Fittest on Earth compete!

Fans can join community workouts led by Mayhem on Saturday, August 2, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Jennings Landing.

There will be three different workouts to choose from throughout the morning. Each 45-minute class includes a warm-up, a 15-minute workout, and a cool-down. Classes start every half hour. 

  • Class times:
    • Workout 1: 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
    • Workout 2: 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
    • Workout 3: 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

Register for these community workouts here.

Ruck Race League 

Take on a ruck race alongside fellow fans before the Games kick off.

  • Where and when: Saturday, August 2, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Jennings Landing.
    • Choose between a half or full Ruck Race.

Register here.

Affiliate Owners

Pick up credentials at the CrossFit Booth (atrium of MVP Arena).

  • The credentials will grant access to the Affiliate Lounge, located inside Stadium Restaurant, an exclusive floor workout on the MVP Arena floor, and the Affiliate Appreciation Party on Friday night at The Hangar at 743).

The Affiliate Lounge is open to credentialed affiliate owners and a guest (no transfers). There you can fellow owners and CrossFit Field Representatives.

  • Don’t forget to pick up your gift bag.
  • Grab free coffee all day, courtesy of Hustle Up.
  • Food and drinks are available for purchase from a menu that is specifically designed for CrossFitters.

Join the BarBend community Forum

Looking to connect with fellow fitness lovers like you? Head over to the BarBend Community Forum to ask questions, share advice, and talk all things training.

Join the Conversation

Affiliates in the Area

CrossFit Beyond

CrossFit Beyond is about a five-minute Uber ride from MVP Arena, in the warehouse district, and it’s the closest affiliate to the venue. 

  • They are offering single drop-ins for $40, which includes a promotional shirt, and a weekend pass for $90, also featuring a promotional Games shirt.

CrossFit Beyond’s primary partners over the weekend are Beyond the Whiteboard (NTWB) and GymReapers.

  • GymReapers will offer exclusive apparel, gear, and accessories at special event prices.

Weekend Schedule:

Enjoy outdoor workouts and the mini Vendor Village at Lionheart on the Green all weekend, along with open gym at the affiliate.

  • Some of the vendors include: Beyond the Whiteboard, Gymreapers, Melan Sun Care, Higher Ground, Paper Street Coffee, and Engineered Nutrition.
  • Pick up a swag bag that includes samples from: LMNT, Redmond Salts, ​FitAid, and ​Podium.

Saturday, August 2

  • Workout guest-coached by Gymreapers athlete, Ellie Turner.
  • Workout guest-coached by Gymreapers. 
  • Downed Man Challenge – hosted by Higher Ground.

Sunday, August 3

  • Workout – Sunday Shake Out Run – Hosted by Gymreapers

Albany CrossFit

One of the region’s oldest affiliates, Albany CrossFit, has built a reputation for empowering athletes of all levels and giving back to the local community.

Albany CrossFit will host several guest coaches throughout the week, including Andrew Hiller from NoRep Club, Michele Letendre from HWPO Training, Rodrick Lopez, aka @memefortime, and Christi Novak from Mayhem Athlete.

  • They are offering one-day ($25, no shirt/$55 with shirt) and one-week ($60, no shirt/$85 with shirt) drop-in passes, which include an exclusive Games Week shirt option.
  • Spots are limited, so the affiliate stresses that booking ahead is highly recommended – head here to book online!

Weekend Schedule:

Friday, August 1

  • 5:30 a.m. – led by The Wodify Team
  • 6:30 a.m. – led by Kiel Holman, Beyond Strength & Endurance
  • 7:30 a.m. – led by JR Howell, CrossFit Crash
  • 9:30 a.m. – led by Jason from Best Hour of Their Day
  • Noon – led by Gymreapers Training Division
  • 4:00 p.m. – led by Margaux Alvarez

Saturday, August 2

  • 7:00 a.m. – led by Andrew Hiller, NoRep Club
  • 8:00 a.m. – led by The Wodify Team
  • 9:00 a.m. – led by Rodrick Lopez, @memefortime
  • 10:00 a.m. – led by Adaptive Training Academy

Sunday, August 3

  • 7:00 a.m. – led by Christi Novak, Mayhem Athlete
  • 8:00 a.m. – led by Michele Letendre, HWPO
  • 9:00 a.m. – led by JR Howell, CrossFit Crash
  • 10:00 a.m. – led by Adaptive Training Academy

CrossFit Spur

CrossFit Spur will welcome Velites all week! They will be giving away swag, guest coaching some classes, and hosting various activations during the Games.

The BRUTE Strength camp will also be on-site all week. Look out for their guest coaches.

  • Please check the schedule, as certain times are reserved for BRUTE and Games athletes to train.
  • R.A.D. is hosting an Acid Athletics event on Thursday night, featuring giveaways and a guest DJ for the workout. 

Drop in rates:

  • Single Class $25
  • 3-Day Pass: $60
  • T-Shirts: $25

CrossFit Shatter

CrossFit Shatter is about 15 minutes from the venue, and CrossFit Mayhem will be taking over the gym for the CrossFit Games!

  • Drop in to experience Mayhem-led coaching and programming.

Drop in rates:

  • Single Class: $25

CrossFit For the People 

CrossFit For the People will host the HWPO crew the weekend of the Games! Be sure to reserve your spot early.

Weekend Schedule:

Friday, August 1

  • 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. – HWPO Workout
  • 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. – HWPO Coaching Workshop: Toes to Bar

Saturday, August 2

  • 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. – HWPO Hyrox
  • 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. – HWPO Run Club

Sunday, August 3

  • 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. – HWPO Sweat
  • 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. – HWPO Workout
  • 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. – HWPO Workout/Michele Letendre, hosted by Wodify.

Things to remember when you are dropping in:

  • Contact Ahead: Book your drop-in in advance, especially during Games Week! Most affiliates offer RSVP options on their websites, including their waiver and payment details. 
  • Bring Your Gear: Don’t forget your jump rope and favorite grips! 
  • Travel Time: Albany is compact, but some affiliates require a short drive or rideshare from MVP Arena. 
  • Allow enough time to arrive early for class. Introduce yourself and make some friends!

Other Events

The CrossFit Store 

Get ready for the 2025 CrossFit Games with exclusive merchandise and essentials. Visit the official retail booths at MVP Arena and the Albany Capital Center to pick up everything you need.

What you’ll find:

  • Official CrossFit Games merchandise, including limited-edition gear.
  • Partner uniforms, apparel, and footwear – As seen on the competition floor.
  • Apparel and accessories – Training tops, everyday wear, hats, flags, socks, and more.
  • Sneak peek at new apparel lines – Preview unreleased styles launching later this year.
  • Official partner products – Curated picks from trusted CrossFit partners.

The CrossFit Booth

Stop by the CrossFit Booth to say “hi” to HQ staff and CrossFit Seminar Staff.

  • Pick up your credentialed trainer patch, get your affiliate credentials, and for more info on everything offered at the CrossFit Games this year. 

Fan Appreciation Days

Themed appreciation days are back, with each day honoring a specific group of service members in our community. Members of each group will receive a single-day ticket on the designated day. Please present your ID at the box office to pick up your ticket.

  • August 1 – Firefighter, Healthcare, and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, presented by United States Border Patrol. 
  • August 2 – Teacher and Student Appreciation Day, presented by Velites. 
  • August 3 – Military Service Appreciation Day, presented by Rogue. 

More CrossFit Stories

  • How to Follow the 2025 CrossFit Games: Newsletters, Athlete Instagrams, and More
  • Does the Affiliate Community Still Care About the CrossFit Games? We Asked Gym Owners
  • Full 2025 CrossFit Games Roster – See the 60 Athletes Who Qualified

Featured Image: @crossfitgames / Instagram

About Julia Papworth

Writer, hairstylist, football fanatic, and CrossFitter, Julia makes her home in sunny Southern California. When not handstand walking, she is writing for The Fantasy Footballers and running the Hair Department for CBS’s S.W.A.T. Her guilty pleasures are animals dressed as humans, babies wearing tiny headphones at sporting events, and every episode of “Arrested Development."

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