Event day guide

Event Access

Entrance
Use the 4th Ave & Cherry entrance. Same location for event-day packet pick-up. 

Parking
Parking is free for all event participants and volunteers at the Columbia Center. The entrance to the parking lot is located on Columbia Street, between 4th and 5th Avenues. Please be aware that you may be directed to another overflow parking garage nearby. 

Public Transportation
Public transportation is available and our venue is accessible via 4th and 5th Avenues.   

Packet Pick-Up & Check-In

Location: Columbia Center – 1st Floor, Participant Check-In 

Date: Sunday, April 4, 2027 

Time: Doors open at 7:00 AM

All climbers must meet the $150 fundraising minimum before receiving their participant packet. 

Please note that Big Climb is a cashless event. Any offline donations should be entered into your fundraising page before event day. 

Your packet includes: 

• Participant bib with assigned wave time 
• Event wristband 
• Event T-shirt size indicator 
• Additional event materials as applicable 

Event Day Schedule

Doors Open: 7:00 AM 

Opening Ceremony: 8:00 AM 

First Climb Wave: 8:15 AM 

Additional Waves: [coming soon!] 

Please arrive early to allow time for check-in, packet pick-up, and event activities.  

Wave Times

Wave times are assigned in advance and included on your participant bib.  

All wave times are final. 

View Wave Times: Final wave times to be posted on March 31 at 8:00 AM. 

Summit Club & VIP Recognition

The Summit Club/VIP Area is located on the 1st Floor of the Columbia Center. Summit Club is where our Climb Masters (participants who raise over $1,000), Challengers, and Top Teams will receive catered food and a designated area for their team to gather and hang out on event day. 

Additional details will be shared with eligible participants before the event. 

Bag Check

A complimentary bag check will be available for participants on the 1st floor. 

For safety reasons, backpacks, bags, and other personal items are not permitted in the stairwell during the climb. 

Please check all items before your assigned start time. 

Water Stops & Recovery Area

Water stations will be available throughout the climb course. 

Five Water Stop Locations on Floors: 13, 29, 40, 57, and 68*
*Subject to change. Water stops will be confirmed in event day emails.

Following your climb, visit the recovery area on the 4th floor to enjoy refreshments, celebrate your accomplishment, and connect with fellow climbers. 

Spectators & Livestream

Friends and family are encouraged to cheer you on throughout the event. 

Spectator Information: Friends and family can cheer from Basecamp (1st floor) and watch participants on Facebook Live. Due to space limitations, no spectators are allowed at the finish line on the 73rd floor. 

Livestream Information: Opening Ceremony + Finish Line 

Please note that spectator access may be limited in certain areas of the venue. 

Event Day Reminders

Before you arrive: 

• Meet your fundraising minimum 
• Review your assigned wave time 
• Wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes 
• Stay hydrated 
• Arrive early for check-in 

Most importantly, remember why you’re climbing. 

Every step helps fund critical research, patient support services, and advocacy efforts for people impacted by blood cancer. 

Thank You for Climbing

The finish line is in sight—and so is the impact we’re making together.

Thank you for your commitment, your heart, and your determination. We look forward to celebrating with you on climb day as we take another step toward a world without blood cancer.