The 2025 CrossFit Games are heading to MVP Arena in Albany, New York, from August 1–3, bringing together around 200 of the fittest athletes on Earth and thousands of passionate fans. For gym owners, the Games are more than elite competition—they’re a chance to sharpen your business, connect with vendors, and gather tools that can elevate your gym.
This year, Zen Planner and SugarWOD will be right in the middle of the action, providing gym owners and coaches with new tools, insights, and interactive experiences. Whether you’re making the trip and looking for Albany CrossFit Games travel advice or just want to know how to make the most of the experience, this gym owner’s guide is designed to help you navigate the Vendor Village and discover the tools that can truly elevate your gym—including exclusive offers from Zen Planner + SugarWOD.
Travel Cheat Sheet for Gym Owners
Heading to Albany? Here’s what you need to know before you go:
- Parking: MVP Arena has limited parking—use ParkAlbany garages nearby or rideshare. Expect delays around event hours.
- Bag Policy: CrossFit’s clear bag policy is in effect. Only transparent totes or small clutches are allowed. Pack light, with essentials like a charger, sunscreen, and ID.
- Hotels: Downtown Albany books fast. Look for nearby stays at Renaissance Albany, Hampton Inn & Suites, or Fairfield Inn. Use “CrossFit Games Albany” group codes where available.
Tip: Pre-book your 15-minute demo with Zen Planner + SugarWOD to skip lines at the booth.
Important Links for Attendees
Save these official resources for easy access during your trip:
Plan for Game Week (What to Pack and Do)
To make the most of your time at the CrossFit Games, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to get ready for three days of fitness, fun, and learning.
Pack the Right Gear
Attendees should bring:
- Apparel: Light, breathable clothing with wrist wraps and traction footwear
- Sun Protection: SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses (expect midday highs in Albany)
- Hydration: Water bottles, electrolyte mixes (Hydration stations available)
- Essentials: Notebook, phone + charger, power bank, and small first-aid kit
- Swag Bag: A roomy tote for booth giveaways and apparel deals—trust us, you’ll need the space.
Schedule Smart
- Map out your must-watch events using the CrossFit app
- Block time for booth demos, network sessions, and midday healthy meals or breaks
- Reserve windows for casual bike-around the venue—those spontaneous experiences matter most
Don’t Miss These On-Site Experiences
If you’re heading to Albany, don’t just spectate—jump in and experience the Games firsthand with these standout activities:
- Event 1 Community Workout: Watch the elite athletes tackle the opening event at Jennings Landing on Friday morning—no ticket required. Then, sign up to do the same WOD yourself throughout the weekend. Your performance will be scored and ranked on a live leaderboard.
Timings: Aug. 1–2 (12–5 p.m.), Aug. 3 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) - CrossFit Mayhem Community Workouts: Join one of three themed sessions led by CrossFit Mayhem on Saturday morning. Each 45-minute class includes a full warm-up, workout, and cool-down.
Timings: Aug. 2, from 7–10 a.m. - U.S. Army Fitness Challenge: Test your mettle against military-grade standards in a fitness test that includes a deadlift max, push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, planks, and a two-mile run.
Timings: Aug. 3, from 7–10 a.m. - Ruck Race League Community Race: Choose between a half or full ruck course, starting and finishing at Jennings Landing.
Timings: Aug. 2, from 5–9 a.m. - Affiliate Owner Exclusives: Gym owners can enjoy VIP perks, like a private lounge, networking workouts, gift bags, and a welcome party, by picking up credentials at the CrossFit Booth.
Timings: Events run throughout the weekend. - CrossFit Store & Booth: Shop exclusive Games merch, try on apparel from official partners, and connect with CrossFit HQ staff at dedicated booths across both venues.
Visit Zen Planner + SugarWOD: Tools to Grow Your Gym
Vendor Village is the hub for learning, networking, and discovering new resources at the CrossFit Games. Zen Planner and SugarWOD will be hosting an interactive booth that’s built to inspire and equip gym professionals.
Booth Details:
- Location: CrossFit Experience area, Vendor Village
- Dates: August 1–3, 2025
- Access Requirements: Vendor badge
What Will You Find?
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your business operations or just join the fun, the Zen Planner + SugarWOD booth at Vendor Village has something for every gym owner. Here’s what you can expect:
- Live Demos: Get hands-on with Zen Planner’s gym management tools and SugarWOD’s athlete engagement platform. See how the 2.0 integration streamlines scheduling, workouts, billing, and communication—all in one system.
- Mini Consults: Chat one-on-one with our team about lead gen, retention, and gym operations. Walk away with custom tips to grow and streamline your gym.
- Exclusive Offer: Access Games-only discounts on Zen Planner + SugarWOD packages, plus giveaways and early feature access. Free gear included—while supplies last.
- Participate in On-Site Challenges: Attendees can join fitness challenges at the booth throughout the event. These mini-competitions are designed to be fun, inclusive, and rewarding, with daily prizes and limited-edition swag available to participants.
- Proof Point: One gym cut onboarding time by 40% using Zen Planner + SugarWOD. Ask our team how.
From the Games to Your Gym: Member Retention Strategies That Work
The CrossFit Games showcase peak performance—now bring that same energy to your member experience. Our Gym Member Retention Guide pulls from affiliate success stories and proven strategies to keep members engaged and coming back.
What’s Inside?
- Proven strategies for reducing churn
- Tips for improving member engagement
- Automated workflows that save hours per week
Get real-world tactics packed with insights from affiliate owners, marketing experts, and real insights from SugarWOD users.
Member retention strategies by experts.
Final Word: It’s More Than Just a Weekend
The CrossFit Games aren’t just a celebration of fitness—they’re a chance to connect, rethink your gym systems, and return home with a stronger business strategy. Whether you’re fine-tuning member engagement, automating tasks, or leveling up programming, Zen Planner + SugarWOD are here to help.
For those not attending in person, virtual demos and post-event resources will ensure every gym owner has access to the tools and training shared during the Games.
Next Steps?
- Save the booth location in your Games app
- Book your 15-min consult in advance
- Download the free Lead-Gen Playbook
- Say hi at the booth—we’ll see you in Albany!
2025 CrossFit Games: FAQs for Gym Owners
Q: Do I need a separate ticket to access Vendor Village?
Yes. The CrossFit Experience (Vendor Village) requires a ticket or vendor badge.
Check CrossFit’s official site for access info.
Q: What’s the weather like in Albany in August?
Expect highs in the low 80s°F (27–28°C) with humidity. Bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Q: Can I try the demos or workouts?
Absolutely. Several booths, including ours, offer live demos and fitness challenges open to attendees.
Q: Where can I learn more about Zen Planner or SugarWOD features?
Check out Zen Planner Gym Software and SugarWOD for details.