The world-famous Arnold Sports Festival will play host to the first stop of USA Weightlifting’s 2018 Nike American Open Series powered by Rogue Fitness, as the sport of Olympic Weightlifting expands its presence at the festival March 1-4 in Columbus, Ohio.

“We’ve always sanctioned an annual meet at the Arnold each year with our friends at Columbus Weightlifting. But for 2018 we are so excited to host one of our National Events at this celebration of fitness,” USA Weightlifting CEO Phil Andrews said.

The American Open Series 1 will feature a weekend of lifting on three platforms.

“Columbus Weightlifting is always pleased to have USAW involved with the Arnold Weightlifting Championships. The new AO Series is a fantastic way to bring everyone together for a great four days of competition,” said Mark Cannella, President of the Columbus Weightlifting Club.

Some of the top weightlifting athletes in the United States will be featured on the “Rogue Strength Stage,” where all fans at the Arnold will be able to see some of the strongest athletes in America.

Columbus Weightlifting has hosted the Arnold Weightlifting Championships at the Arnold Sports Festival since 2003. This is the first time since 2012 the Arnold will host a National Event of USA Weightlifting. The Arnold Sports Festival, named after famed bodybuilder, actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, was formed in 1989.

Rogue Fitness, USA Weightlifting’s Official Equipment Manufacturer along with Jim and Bob Lorimer helped secure additional space for the event. Jim will build on Columbus’ history in Weightlifting by hosting this event. Along with hosting the Arnold in conjunction with Arnold Schwarzenegger, John also hosted the 1970 International Weightlifting Federation Weightlifting World Championships.

BarBend.com, the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting, will stream the Nike American Open Series 1 powered by Rogue Fitness will be LIVE for free at USAWeightlifting.org.

As is tradition with the Arnold, lifting will begin on Thursday. Registration is open now. Athletes will pay one registration fee to enter the American Open Series and the Arnold Championships. Qualifying totals, hotel and other information will be announced in the coming weeks.