2025 NAOS1, NUC Returning to Arnold Sports Festival
COLORADO SPRINGS - USA Weightlifting is excited to announce its return to the Arnold Sports Festival for the 2025 North American Open Series 1 and National University Championships, February 27-March 2, 2025 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
The North American Open Series began in 2017, and will run alongside the National University Championships for the fifth time in 2025. The return of these events to the Arnold Sports Festival underscores the mutual commitment to excellence shared by USA Weightlifting and the festival.
"We are thrilled to bring the North American Open Series 1 and National University Championships back to Columbus as part of the Arnold Sports Festival,” said Matt Sicchio, CEO of USA Weightlifting. “This event provides a unique opportunity for our athletes to compete in a world-class environment, and we look forward to witnessing remarkable performances and memorable moments."
The event will be capped at 1,000 athletes for North American Open Series 1, while a 400 athlete cap is set for the National University Championships. NAOS1 will feature three platforms, and NUC will feature two. Similar to 2024, the registration process for the 2025 NAOS1 will be divided into two waves. This process will not apply to the National University Championships.
Wave 1 registration will be available to athletes who have a valid qualifying total of at least 135% of the published North American Open Series qualifying totals, with the registration window opening on November 1.
Wave 2 registration starts on December 1 and will be open to all athletes who have a valid qualifying total. NAOS1 registration closes when the registration cap is reached, or on Feb. 13, 2025. Every age group/bodyweight division will have access to the wave-like registrations, with qualifying totals being reflected appropriately.
NUC registration opens November 1st and runs until February 13th. There will be no early-bird or late entry fees for both NAOS1 and NUC.
Youth, Junior and Masters athletes will be able to qualify directly for the North American Open Finals based on their Sinclair. The top three males and top three females will be guaranteed a spot at the 2025 NAOF, with the names announced later by USA Weightlifting. Additional information on this can be found in the National Events Policies.
For the NAOS1, athletes will compete in the Open division AND in their age group, according to their year of birth. No additional registration is required.
Registered participants in Columbus will have access to the 2025 Arnold Sports Festival. Spectator tickets for family & friends can be purchased directly through the Arnold Sports website here. Hotels can also be booked directly with The Arnold’s organizers here.
In addition to the excitement on the competition platforms, attendees can look forward to a variety of activities and exhibitions at the Arnold Sports Festival. With over 20,000 athletes competing in more than 80 sports and events, the festival offers a vibrant and dynamic experience for participants and spectators alike. The expo floor will feature the latest in fitness equipment, apparel, and nutrition, providing a comprehensive celebration of health and wellness.s
2025 North American Open Series 1 & National University Championships full details:
Competition Dates: February 27 - March 2, 2025
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Venue: Greater Columbus Convention Center
Qualification Period: Feb 13, 2024 - Feb 13, 2025
Fees/Costs: There will be no early-bird or late entry fees for both NAOS1 and NUC.
NAOS1 Wave 1 Registration
Opens: November 1, 2024
Closes: 2:00 p.m. MT on Sunday, December 1, 2024
NAOS1 Wave 2 Registration
Opens December 1, 2024
Closes: 2:00 p.m. MT on Thursday, February 13, 2025, or when registration cap is hit
NUC Registration
Opens November 1st, closes 2:00 p.m. MT on Thursday, February 13th, 2025.
Verification of Final Entries: 10:00-10:30 a.m. MT on Monday, February 17, 2025
Qualifying Totals will be released on October 10, 2024.