We are unable to host Base 2 Space in-person this year due to the ongoing global pandemic. This section available for informational purposes to help you plan for future climbs. Check back for more information on future events!





FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How high is the climb?

832 steps, 98 flights of stairs, 520 feet in the air.

Are the stairs indoor or open-air?

Open-air! There are two separate staircases spiraling upward, each with 360-degree views all the way to the top.

Do I have to climb back down after I reach the top?

No. Once you reach the 520’ Observation Deck, you will take an elevator back down.

Can I climb the Space Needle more than once?

Yes. For an additional $25 donation, you climb the Space Needle as many times as you would like!

What should I wear?

Our staircases are open-air, so please dress as if you were going for a run or walk outside (always factor in event day’s weather conditions). Participants who register by the Sunday, September 9 deadline are guaranteed a Base 2 Space t-shirt.

Will there be medical personnel on the stairs in case of emergency?

Yes. There will be a team of medical staff on duty to assist in case of an emergency.

How are start times assigned?

You will be assigned to a wave with a specific start time based on the pace level you select during registration and also when you complete your registration. Waves may start as early as 7 a.m. with the last wave starting as late as 5 p.m. You will receive your wave assignment and exact start time via email closer to the day of the event.

What are my options for pace?

To be eligible for a trophy, you must sign up for either the Elite, Runner or Trotter Wave. Elite climbers will go first, followed by Runners and Trotters.

This year’s Seattle iconic waves include the Pearl Jam Wave, Top Pot Doughnut Wave, Dick’s Drive-in Wave and Starbucks Wave. The Seattle iconic waves and are open to Walkers and non-competitive Runners and Trotters.

• Elite (to qualify, you must be able to run a 5-6 minute mile)

• Runner (7-10 minute mile)

• Trotter (mix of running and walking, or a 11-15 minute mile)

• Walker (walk or run a 16+ minute mile)

Can I change my pace level?

Yes. After you register you may change your pace level by emailing us at base2space@spaceneedle.com. Please note that there will be a $10 fee for each requests.

What if I get partway up and decide I do not want to climb all the way to the top?

No worries, there will be a clearly marked exit point at 100’. Once you pass this exit point, you are committed to climbing the full distance to the 520’ Observation Deck.

Can I carry a small child, bring a backpack and/or bring pets?

Children must be 8 years of age or older to participate and must independently climb the staircase; you are not allowed to carry anyone (including any type of baby carrier or sling). Kids 10 and under must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent. Backpacks are not allowed in the staircase; bag check will be available. Pets are also not allowed in the stairwells.

What is the Spire Climb and who can do it?

For the first time in the Space Needle’s 56-year history, the public will have the opportunity to climb the tower’s highest point! Located 605’ in the air, a select group of Base 2 Space participants will win the opportunity to climb the tower’s mast and take an epic photo next to the Space Needle’s iconic beacon. Base 2 Space’s top 10 fundraisers, fastest male and female climbers, and two randomly selected participants will harness up for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Participants must be physically able and 18 or older to be eligible for the Spire Climb. The Spire Climb will be offered in spring or summer 2019 and all winners are responsible for their travel and accommodations.

How long does it typically take to complete the climb?

This depends on each participant’s fitness level and speed. Top climbers finish in as little as five to seven minutes, while the average participant takes 20-30 minutes to finish.

Do I need to train for this event?

While this is not a race, you should be capable of completing 20-30 minutes of intense exercise. You can walk the stairs and take breaks along the way if necessary.

Are there awards?

Trophies will be given to the overall fastest male and female climbers. Base 2 Space will also award trophies to the fastest male and female climbers in the following age categories: 8-10, 11-13, 14–17, 18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80+. Fundraising awards will be given to the top 10 fundraisers, plus two participants chosen at random in the form of an opportunity to participate in the Spire Climb in April 2019 (must be over 18 to qualify).

Will I receive a medal upon finishing?

Yes. All climbers who completed the stair climb will receive a Base 2 Space medal.

What is the post-climb party on the Broad Street Green?

This is an opportunity for climbers, volunteers, friends, and family to celebrate the work you have done to support leading edge cancer research and the Space Needle Foundation! The party will feature no-host food and beverages, including an Elysian Brewing Company beer garden. More details to come.

Will the Space Needle’s new renovations impact the event?

The stair routes will be identical to last year. Additionally, this year’s Base 2 Space climbers will be one of the first groups to experience the Space Needle’s new and improved 520’ Observation Deck. Look out for more information on how you can check out the glass floor and other new features on event day! Visit www.seewhatsup.space to learn more about our current renovation project.

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS

How old do I need to be to climb?

Anyone 8 and older can climb, but children 10 and under must be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian.

How much does it cost to register?

Registration is $75, however, if your register by July 31, it is only $60. *Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Additionally, every registered climber commits to a fundraising a minimum $175, all of which goes toward life-saving cancer research at Fred Hutch and the Space Needle Foundation, which supports organizations who elevate our collective future.

Where does my registration fee go?

Your registration fee goes toward Base 2 Space operational costs and the Space Needle Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to investing in innovative ideas and approaches that elevate our collection future. The Space Needle Foundation is committed to supporting organizations who are at the forefront of transforming the future and who make a positive difference in the Puget Sound region. As a registrant, you will receive an official Base 2 Space t-shirt and more on the day of the event. To guarantee that you receive a t-shirt, participants must register by Sunday, September 9, and must meet your fundraising minimum of $175.

Is my registration fee tax deductible?

Twenty-five dollars of your registration fee is tax deductible.

Does my registration fee count toward my $175 fundraising minimum commitment?

No. Your registration fee will go toward underwriting the event and supporting the Space Needle Foundation.

When is the fundraising deadline?

The fundraising deadline is September 30, 2018. Your minimum fundraising commitment of $175 is due at the time you pick up your packet or before you climb on the day of the event. You will not be able to climb the stairs until you have reached the $175 minimum.

Any additional fundraising contributions above the $175 minimum must be postmarked or submitted electronically by Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 11:59 pm. Any funds submitted after the specified date will not count toward your eligibility to participate in Base 2 Space’s grand prize, the Spire Climb.

What if I have a company match that was submitted before the Sunday, September 30 deadline, but has not yet been fully processed?

Please bring a printed copy of your company match to the registration and packet pickup tent. The printed copy will need to have your first and last name, and clearly indicate that your donation request was approved. The Base 2 Space team will honor your pending match and you will be eligible to pick up your packet.

What if I increase my fundraising goal beyond the $175 minimum and don’t reach it?

If you do not reach your personal fundraising goal in excess of the $175 minimum, no worries. We appreciate your support and willingness to go above and beyond! You’re only responsible for raising a minimum of $175.

Do I need a credit card to participate?

Yes, you need a credit card to pay your non-refundable registration fee through our website. You may also send a check or drop off cash between 9am and 5pm Monday through Friday at the Space Needle’s administrative office (223 Taylor Avenue North) to pay your fundraising minimum commitment of $175.

Can I rollover my registration fee and donations to next year if my plans change and I’m unable to participate?

No. Registration fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Please refer to the information above or contact base2space@spaceneedle.com for more information.

How do I cancel my registration?

To cancel your registration, email base2space@spaceneedle.com no later than Sunday, September 9, 2018. Notifying the Base 2 Space team of your cancelation is appreciated and helps the organizers plan accordingly the day of the event. Please note that your registration fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Why is there a $175 fundraising minimum commitment in order to participate?

Unfortunately, cancer impacts everybody, which is why it’s going to take everyone’s support to cure this dreadful disease. The Space Needle Foundation is proud to support Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, a world-renowned organization dedicated to eliminating cancer and other related diseases. All donations raised during Base 2 Space will be directed to Fred Hutch and the Space Needle Foundation. As a component of the Seattle Foundation, the Space Needle Foundation is committed to elevating our collective future by supporting organizations who are at the forefront of transforming lives and make a positive difference in the Puget Sound region.

DONATION QUESTIONS

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How do I donate to a Base 2 Space climber?

Each Base 2 Space participant has a personal fundraising page. If you do not have a direct link to the participant’s page, please go to base2spaceseattle.com and search for your climber’s name or team. Once you are on the climber’s or team’s page, click the donation button and fill out the required information.

Alternatively, you can mail in donations (cash or check) using our offline donation form. Please make checks payable to the Space Needle Foundation and mail them to 223 Taylor Avenue North; Seattle, WA 98109; Attn: Base 2 Space. All mailed checks must be postmarked by September 30, 2018. Also include the participant’s name or team name on the check’s memo line. This will ensure your check is applied to the correct fundraising page. Offline donations may take up to 5-7 business days to post to participant’s fundraiser. The EIN number for the Space Needle Foundation is 91-6013536.

What is the Space Needle Foundation?

As a subsidiary of the Seattle Foundation, the Space Needle Foundation is committed to elevating our community’s collective future by supporting organizations who are at the forefront of transforming lives and make a positive difference in the Puget Sound region. The foundation is proud to support Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, a world-renowned organization dedicated to eliminating cancer and other related diseases.

Is 100% of my donation tax deductible?

Yes! All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. 100% of donations raised during Base 2 Space will be directed to Fred Hutch and the Space Needle Foundation. Fred Hutch is a nonprofit corporation incorporated in the state of Washington and accepting donations from all 50 states. The EIN number for the Space Needle Foundation is 91-6013536. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.

Can I raise more than $175?

Yes! You are encouraged to challenge yourself and raise as much as you can for Fred Hutch. As an added bonus, the top ten fundraisers will get to climb the Space Needle’s spire, located 605’ in the air!

Do you have any tips on fundraising?

Yes! Please see our list of Fundraising Tips <link>.

If I cancel my participation, what happens to my donations?

Any funds donated by you or others to satisfy your fundraising commitment are nonrefundable and nontransferable. All donations will go toward Fred Hutch to fund and fuel breakthrough cancer research, and the Space Needle Foundation who is committed to supporting local organizations who elevate our collective future.

What happens if I do not meet my fundraising commitment by the day of the event?

You will not be able to climb until we receive your $175 minimum fundraising commitment.

What do I do if a donor gives me cash?

If the donor requires a tax acknowledgement, he or she must deliver the cash donation in-person at the Space Needle Administrative Office – 223 Taylor Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109. We cannot guarantee the receipt of any cash donations sent via mail. If you choose to deposit the cash donation and write the Space Needle Foundation a check from your own account or make a donation online, the Space Needle Foundation cannot send the donor a tax acknowledgement. For your convenience, an offline donation <link> tracking form is available.

Do you accept matching gifts?

Definitely! Simply ask your HR rep or your employers matching gifts rep to submit the paperwork to the Space Needle Foundation. Be sure to note the matching gift is for Base 2 Space. Please note the time it takes to receive the actual gift can vary depending on your company. Some companies will send it within a couple weeks of your request, while others take months. Matching gifts are an easy way to increase your fundraising. Be sure to encourage your donors to submit matching gift requests to leverage your fundraising. NOTE: To qualify for the Spire Climb, climbers must submit written proof that they have been granted a matching gift when they pick up their packets at the registration tent.

Where do I mail a donation check?

Space Needle LLC/Space Needle Foundation

223 Taylor Avenue North

Seattle, WA 98109

Attn: Base 2 Space

VOLUNTEER QUESTIONS

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What volunteer jobs can I do to support Base 2 Space?

Volunteer jobs include, but are not limited to:

Start line, Bag Check, Observation Deck Assistants, Finish line support, Medics, Hospitality Team, and Green Team. If you have questions, contact base2space@spaceneedle.com.

How do I register to volunteer for Base 2 Space?

Volunteer registration will open closer to the event date. If you are currently not on our volunteer list, please email base2space@spaceneedle.com to be added.

How old do I need to be to volunteer?

You must be 14 by September 30, 2018 to volunteer.

Is there a registration fee to volunteer?

No. However, if you would like to participate climb, you will need to register as a climber.

Is there a fundraising minimum to volunteer?

No. We are grateful for your time, effort and energy. Of course, you are more than welcome to volunteer AND fundraise.

If I volunteer, do I get to climb for free?

No. All volunteers will need to pay the climber registration fee and raise the $175 minimum to participate in the climb.

When will I receive confirmation of my volunteer job?

Detailed information, with your exact job and shift time, will be sent closer to the event (be on the lookout for details mid to late September).

What if my plans change and I need to switch jobs or cancel?

It’s important that once you sign up you commit to your job. We understand things happen, so please notify us via email at base2space@spaceneedle.com as soon as possible if you are unable to volunteer for any reason.

EVENT DAY QUESTIONS

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When will I get my start time?

You’ll receive a start window during the week of Sept. 9

Can I request a specific start time?

We are unable to accommodate start time requests. Please plan to be available during the entire tentative time range for your assigned pace level.

Will I be timed?

Yes, each participant will be timed. Bib numbers and timing chips will be distributed at packet pickup. Pin your bib number to the front of your shirt. Your bib number must be visible at all times during the climb. Once you complete the climb, you can scan the QR code on your bib using your phone to find out your time or visit the Timing Table near the Registration/ Packet Pickup tent.

How can I make sure I’m climbing with friends?

First, make sure you and the people you want to climb with are all registered for the same pace level (Runner, Trotter, Pearl Jam Wave, etc.). You may still be issued different start times. On the day of the event, cluster with the person who has the earliest start time and enter the queue together.

Will there be a gear check?

Yes. We will have a gear check tent. You will be able to tag your gear with a tear-off tag from your bib. There will be volunteers there to assist you. Backpacks are not allowed in the stairwell.

Will there be food and drinks?

Yes. In our Landing Pad area on the Broad St. Green climbers can enjoy beer from Elysian Brewing Company ($5 per glass, cash only), and complimentary coffee from Starbucks and sparkling and flat water from Talking Rain. There are plenty of dining options at Collections Café at Chihuly Garden and Glass and several restaurants in the Seattle Center Armory are just steps away.

Where can I park?

There are many lots and garages, as well as street parking, surrounding Seattle Center campus. Please visit their website for more information. Please note that there is typically free street parking on Sundays.

Will there be water stations in the stairwells?

No. Due to space limitations within the stairwells, there will be no water stations. Hydration stations will be located at the start and finish areas.

PACKET PICK UP

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What is in my packet?

Your packet contains your assigned bib number and timing chip, as well as a bunch of fun swag items, including a t-shirt! You must pick up your packet and climb with your assigned bib number in order to participate.

When and where can I pick up my packet?

In the Registration/Packet Pickup tent on the Southwest side of the Space Needle. Packet pick up times will be announced in September.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

Yes. They will be expected to provide your name and birthday, as well as fulfill any remaining balance on your account.

If I’m picking up my packet on event day, how long in advance of my start time should I arrive?

We would recommend arriving at least an hour in advance of your start time to make sure you can get through packet pickup lines and get to gear check in time.

What if I haven’t hit my $175 minimum by event day?

You will be asked to pay your balance on site at the packet pickup tent in order to participate in the climb. Please be prepared to pay with cash, credit card or a check made payable to The Space Needle Foundation.

What if my matching gift hasn’t been processed by event day?

If Seattle Foundation has not yet processed your matching gift by event day and you need the matching gift contribution to hit your fundraising minimum, please bring written proof of the matching gift to the event. Proof can be a printed receipt or confirmation email from your employer (or whoever is granting the matching gift).

Can I bring additional donations above my $175 minimum to packet pick up?

Absolutely! Please accompany each donation with a completed offline donation form if you can.

Are you accepting cash, checks, and credit cards on site?

Yes.

Who should checks be made out to?

All checks should be made out to The Space Needle Foundation. In the memo line, write “Base 2 Space.” If you are donating to a participant, please be sure to also note their name on the memo line.

If I bring checks to packet pick up, will the donors who wrote the checks get credited on my fundraising page?

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to acknowledge individual donors on your fundraising page when we process checks taken in at packet pick up. If you want to make sure your donors are acknowledged online, have them donate via credit card directly to your fundraising page.

Will you provide tax receipts at packet pick up?

Yes, we will have tax receipts from The Seattle Foundation that you may use and give to your donors.

TEAM QUESTIONS

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What is a Base 2 Space team?

A Base 2 Space team is a group of two or more registered participants who are interested in working together to meet their overall fundraising goal or simply want to experience the thrill of climbing the Space Needle together. To qualify as a team, each climber will still need to meet the $175 minimum to participate in the event. However, Base 2 Space will review the team’s aggregate total to determine if an individual has met the fundraising minimum. To determine the minimum amount of money your team needs to raise, multiply the total number of climbers on your team by $175. Please see the questions below for more information.

What is the benefit of registering as a team?

Creating a team is a fun and easy way to further your overall fundraising impact! Some of the other benefits include:

Team Trophy! For the first time ever, we will be awarding the top fundraising team with a Base 2 Space trophy, plus up to members of the winning team will also receive a special award.

For the first time ever, we will be awarding the top fundraising team with a Base 2 Space trophy, plus up to members of the winning team will also receive a special award. Team building. Base 2 Space is a great team building opportunity for coworkers, friends and or family.

Base 2 Space is a great team building opportunity for coworkers, friends and or family. Raising funds in the aggregate. Team fundraising allows climbers to subsidize each other’s fundraising minimum. If you exceed your $175 minimum, you can donate funds to help your team member reach their minimum. Adult climbs must raise a minimum of $175 and youth must reach $100. However, you cannot give your team members more than the required minimum to climb. Email base2space@spaceneedle.com if you have questions.

How do I register a new team or add myself to an existing team?

Please visit base2spaceseattle.com and click the register button. Then select “join a team” or “create a team”. To select a team to join, simply use the search field to find the registered team name and continue to fill out the required information to complete your registration. To form a team, create a team name and set a team goal based on the total number of participants on your team. There is a $175 fundraising minimum or adults and a $100 minimum for youth.

What is the fundraising minimum for a team?

To determine your team’s minimum fundraising goal, simply multiply the number of adult team members by $175, and the number of youth team members by $100, and then add the two totals for your team’s minimum fundraising goal. The team’s total funds raised must cover each climber’s minimum donation requirement. If you need to move funds to a teammate’s fundraising page, please email base2space@spaceneedle.com. Participants cannot move more than the required minimum to their teammates’ fundraising pages.

Do all team members need to sign up for the same wave type?

No. You can register for the wave that is right for you! However, if you would like to climb with your team, make sure you sign up for the same type of wave during registration. The deadline to switch your wave is Sunday, September 9. Email base2space@spaceneedle.com. Please note that there will be a $10 fee charged for each request.

How do I change my team’s fundraising goal?

So long as your team raises enough funds to cover everyone’s minimum, you can edit your overall team goal. No team’s fundraising goal should be below the minimum donation amount.

How are company matches applied to team fundraising pages?

Simply ask your HR rep or your employers matching gifts rep to submit the paperwork to the Space Needle Foundation. Be sure to note the matching gift is for Base 2 Space. Please note the time it takes to receive the actual gift can vary depending on your company. Some companies will send it within a couple weeks of your request, while others take months. Matching gifts are an easy way to increase your team’s fundraising goal. Be sure to encourage your donors to submit matching gift requests to leverage your fundraising. NOTE: To qualify for the Spire Climb, climbers must submit written proof that they have been granted a matching gift when they pick up their packets at the registration tent.