The MedCity Muscle Classic competition to be held at Mayo Civic Center Saturday marks a return of bodybuilding, physique and bikini contests to the Rochester area.
Such contests have been going on in the Twin Cities area for a decade. As the events have gotten bigger, organizers decided to branch out to other cities in the state, said Shandi Grimsley, event planning and marketing coordinator for On Track Training, which is organizing and promoting the event.
Rochester's potential to draw crowds from Iowa and Illinois and even southern Wisconsin made the locale an intriguing location. The fact that the Twin Cities-based contests draw competitors from the Rochester area was another factor in selecting Rochester.
Rochester hosted such National Physique Committee competitions in the past, but it's the first time a contest is being organized and promoted by On Track Training in Minneapolis.
About 60 people have registered for the competition, smaller than the 150 to 200 the Twin Cities contests typically draw, but "this is our first year, and it takes time to get the news out." Organizers see Rochester as a multi-year commitment and have already solidified plans to hold the event next year at Mayo Civic Center's Presentation Hall.
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Bodybuilding has evolved over the years to make it accessible to more people. Back in the day, there used to be just men's and women's body building divisions.
New divisions have been added, including a men's and women's figure division and a bikini division. Depending on where they place and their division, competitors can use such contests as a stepping stone to a national competition and an opportunity to gain a "pro card."
The contest is divided into two performances. The morning event starts at 9 a.m. and tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for kids. The evening portion is at 6 p.m. and assigned seats range from $25 to $55.
