If you have been doing CrossFit® for at least 1 year, you will have gone on "the monkey" and surely you have thought of going to see the Games live.
Well, for a silly comparison, the CrossFit® Games are like Disneyland for hardcore Crossfitters.
Besides see live the shows that athletes put on during competitions, you will have the option of stroll through the exhibitors' pavilion and try out all kinds of equipment and news that exists in this landscape.
Another really phenomenal thing? You can even do daily WODs in their training zone! All for free, just put your name on a list and that's it! This is crazy!
Index
Where and when the 2022 CrossFit® Games will take place
When? From 2 August to 7 August 2022
Where? At the Alliant Energy Center
Address: 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713
How to buy tickets for the Games
The advice is to buy the ticket for the Coliseum as soon as possible, as the tickets for the first day and for the final end after a few hours from the going on sale.
Here is the link where to buy them: https://www.ticketmaster.com/crossfit-games-tickets/artist/1550109
Pricing
- Coliseum + Festivals - The Coliseum is the main arena of the CrossFit® Games and is where the main events of the day and the final take place. The Coliseum ticket gives you access to the festival, but the cheapest one costs $ 225 dollars + tax (but you are practically in the pigeon house!) .
- Festival only - The Festival is the complete space that is created during the Games. This space includes the exhibition area, the training area and the open arena where some events take place. The ticket for the Festival alone is much cheaper, it costs $ 119 USD + tax to enter every day and you can watch all the events taking place at the Coliseum, through large screens scattered all over the place.There is also an indoor dining area, where you can buy beers and watch events on the big screen.
Where stay
The options are many; from the campsite to the exclusive gaming area, AirBnb and many hotels.
Here are some hotel tips:
Fairfield Inn & Suites Madison east
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msnme-fairfield-inn-and-suites-madison-east/
It is located on the east side of the city of Madison, but is a 10-15 minute drive from the venue.
The only downside is that you will need a car or uber to go to the Games.
Residence inn madison west / middleton
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msnwm-residence-inn-madison-west-middleton
This is very similar to the previous one and also here the distance from the center is 10/15 min, therefore, you will need to use a car or uber.
AC Marriott Downtown Madison
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/msnac-ac-hotel-madison-downtown/overview/
This hotel is right in the center and is closer to the arena. The cost is much higher, but it will save you from having to rent a car.
Transport
Airports
There are 3 good airport options:
- General Mitchell International Airport - MKE - it's about an hour's drive from Madison.
- Chicago - it has two airports but Ohare is probably better as it is about a 3 hour drive from Madison.
- Dane County Regional Airport - MSN - which is the airport within Madison, just minutes from downtown.
Noleggio auto
If you are arriving at one of these airports, the advice is to rent a car with pickup and drop-off directly there. This will make your life easier and avoid spending extra to get to the Arena.
It goes without saying that you should rent a car well in advance!
Uber
It is very easy to use uber or Lyft (Uber's competitor in the US), but at certain times the price is quite high.
Bicycle
https://machineryrowbiciclette.com
If you stay close to the event, you can only rent and travel by bike.
Where to eat during the Games
Whole Foods Market
3313 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705
If you're lucky, you'll find athletes buying food before bed or even having dinner at this supermarket's buffet. If you don't know it, it is worth going one day to shop there.
Short Stack Eateries - Breakfast and brunch
301 W Johnson St, Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Marigold Kitchen - Breakfast and lunch
118S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703
Bassett Street Brunch Club
444 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703
SUPERCHARGE! Foods - Urban Farm
1902 and Washington Ave, Madison, Wisconsin 53704
Tornado Steak House
116S Hamilton St, Madison, WI 53703
Where to go for a drink and have fun
State Street Brats (better known as Rogue's Bar)
1015, 603 State St, Madison, WI 53703
This bar is said to have been bought by Rogue and, during the Games, you can see several Rogue advertisements scattered around and a huge sign on the main wall.
Whiskey Jack's Saloon - To drink, dance, use the mechanical bull, etc.
552 State St, Madison, WI 5370
Red Rock Saloon
322 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703
The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company
123 E Doty St, Madison, WI 53703
afterparty
The after party does not have a specific address, but you will listen "rumors”And all you have to do is receive the link and buy the ticket.
And you know the good thing? You'll likely get a chance to see elite athletes partying!
Where to train
When you're in Madison, you might want to do a drop in. Here are the boxes you can try:
Great State CrossFit® - 2 minutes from Alliant Energy where the Games are held
https://greatstatecrossfit.com
CrossFit® Games app - The app itself lists different training locations and times to book.
What to do in Madison
Madison Boats - stand up paddle at Lake Monona
State Capital Building - Visit and tour the Capitol building and climb to the top, the view is quite interesting
Wingra Boats
824 Knickerbocker St, Madison, WI 53711
If you'd like more tips on what to do in Madison, visit this link: https://www.visitmadison.com/crossfit/things-to-do/