The annual CrossFit Games returned to Madison, Wisconsin’s Alliant Energy Center in August. Employing the slogan, “the fittest on earth, meet the fittest city,” this year’s Games welcomed 560 athletes, representing 32 countries and effectively turned the small Midwestern city built on an isthmus between lakes Monona and Mendota into a giant CrossFit box.
EXPO
An expo floor allows attendees a chance to try out a range of fitness products and equipment.
North Park
The outdoor North Park Stadium was expanded this year to seat more than 10,000 people — nearly 50 percent more than the 2017 stadium. A massive video board was added to one end of the field to allow spectators a better view of the action, and the VIP lounge and seating area — The Madison Club — was positioned at the other end of the field.
Volunteers
Between events staff and volunteers worked seamlessly to get the next competition underway. A testament to the passion of the CrossFit spirit is reflected in the number of people offering to volunteer in and out of the Madison area. Of the 2,548 people that applied to become a volunteer, 836 were selected. Only a third of those were local.
Community
Perhaps one of the most obvious enhancements to this year’s games was the way organizers brought the excitement of the event to the community. Various stations in local parks and along Madison’s many bike paths offered community members a chance to try CrossFit exercises, such as pull-ups, rings and ropes.
A pontoon boat shuttled anyone who was interested from shore to a fitness barge set up in the middle of Lake Monona. From sunrise to sunset, area residents, visitors and CrossFit Games attendees were allowed access to FREE fitness classes, giveaways, athlete appearances, live music, social gatherings, movie screenings, and more all while floating across Lake Monona on the barge.
