Elite CrossFit athletes have a special place in their hearts for the Midwest, and it now looks like they'll be competing there for years to come.
According to a press release posted to the CrossFit Gamesโ website, the annual event, which moved to Madison, Wisconsin, last year after being held in California for the previous seven, will remain in Madison through 2021.
Last year, more than 70,000 people attended the games, generating more than $12 million in spending throughout Dane County. This yearโs games will return to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison (Aug. 1-5).
From AB: 2017 CrossFit Games: A Venue Transformed
Spectators will find a few upgrades at the Games, including more options outside the competition, with the addition of new accommodations and community events. Among other changes to the venue layout, the outdoor North Park Stadium is getting a facelift this year. The new stadium will now seat more than 10,000 people โ nearly 50 percent more than the 2017 stadium โ plus offer plenty of standing room and a massive video board.
Deb Archer, president and CEO of the Madison Area Sports Commission and the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau, told the local CBS affiliate that the event has been a boon for the city. โWe are thrilled to extend our relationship with CrossFit to host this incredible, globally recognized event,โ Archer said. โMadison truly embraced the CrossFit community in 2017, and we look forward to the excitement that will continue to build around the Reebok CrossFit Games in the coming years.โ