Event Day Guide
Event day guide
Thank you for being part of the Firefighter Stairclimb.
We’re looking forward to welcoming firefighters from around the world as we come together to support Blood Cancer United’s mission to create a world without blood cancer.
Review the information below before you arrive to help make your climb day experience as smooth as possible.
Before you arrive
Before heading to Columbia Center, please make sure you have:
- Met the $500 fundraising minimum (As of 2027 we are a CASHLESS EVENT and will no longer be accepting cash or checks in person)
- Reviewed your battalion assignment
- Packed all required gear
- Reviewed parking and arrival information
Packet Pickup
Participants must meet the fundraising minimum of $500 to be able to pick up their packet. Please Note: As of 2027 we are a CASHLESS EVENT and will no longer accept cash or checks in person). Learn how to electronically deposit a check here.
- ELITE 35 participants may pick up their own packets during any of the times listed below.
Friday, March 19
1600 – 1800 PT
- Team Captains only
- Team Captains must pick up for their entire team or wait until Sunday
- Team members who have not met the minimum will be removed from the team packet
- T-Shires can be picked up by individuals at the Columbia Center on Sunday
- Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Pioneer Square – 612 2nd Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
Saturday, March 20
0900 – 1800 PT
- Team Captains only
- Team Captains must pick up for their entire team or wait until Sunday
- Team members who have not met the minimum will be removed from the team packet
- T-Shires can be picked up by individuals at the Columbia Center on Sunday
- Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Pioneer Square – 612 2nd Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
Sunday, March 21 (Event Day)
0600 PT at the Columbia Center until the event concludes
No restrictions on who can pick up
Your participant packet includes:
- Bib with timing chip
- Wristband
- Additional participant materials
Event Day Schedule
Doors Open: 0600 PT
Opening Ceremony: 0730 PT
First Battalion: 0800 PT
Additional battalions begin every 10 minutes.
Please arrive early to allow enough time for parking, packet pickup, gear preparation, and check-in.
Building Access
Climbers – Enter Columbia Center at: Corner of 4th Avenue & Cherry Street. Your participant wristband is required for entry beyond packet pickup.
Bottle Changers – Enter through the Columbia Street loading dock between 4th and 5th Avenue.
Volunteers – Volunteer check-in information will be provided before event day.
Friends and Family of Firefighters – Unfortunately, this is a closed event. Only individuals who are registered as climbers, volunteers or special guests are allowed in the building. Credentials will be checked throughout the event.
Parking
Free parking is available in the Columbia Center garage.
Entrance is located on Columbia Street.
Spectators
Friends and family are welcome to cheer you on from the Spectator Viewing Area located outside Columbia Center on 5th Avenue.
The spectator area includes:
- Live finish line broadcast
- Food trucks
- Coffee
- Professional photography
- Port-a-Potty
Only registered climbers, volunteers, and approved guests are permitted inside Columbia Center. Please prepare for all types of weather.
Department Honorees & Dedication Signs
Department Honorees
Climbing in honor of someone special?
Register your Department Honoree before the published deadline so they can be recognized as part of your department’s climb.
Dedication Signs
Honor a loved one, survivor, or someone you’ve lost to blood cancer by requesting a dedication sign displayed along the climb route.
Requests must be submitted before the published deadline.
Bottle Changer Registration
- How do we register our bottle changer?
- TEAM CAPTAINS ONLY and SOLO climbers only please fill out this form.
- My team or I do not have a bottle changer, what are next steps?
- Complete the attached bottle change request form and request that you are in need of a volunteer bottle changer.
- I have requested a volunteer bottle changer, what should I expect day of event?
- Check in at loading dock with your bottles at bottle change check in
SCBA Reservations
Team Captains ONLY fill out the SCBA/Air Pak Reservation Form for traveling teams by Friday, February 26, 2027
There is no fee to borrow SCBA from 3M thanks to their incredible generosity
Safety & Gear Requirements
Fire Division
- Full structural gear (boots, pants and coat with liners, helmet)
- Hoods are not worn
- Gloves are optional
- SCBA must be worn and used for the entire climb
- All gear must be clean – no exceptions
- Helmet with department visible
- If your helmet shield includes abbreviations or lacks a legible department name, you must label it for identification
- Bib Visible
Open Division
- Any athletic apparel and shoes (recommended)
- Helmet with department visible
- If your helmet shield includes abbreviations or lacks a legible department name, you must label it for identification
- Bib must remain visible
- Helmets must clearly identify your department
Click here for more information on Open Division
Event Policies
- Alcohol is prohibited inside Columbia Center.
- Participants who violate event policies may be removed from the event and become ineligible for future Blood Cancer United events.
Battalion Information
Battalion assignments are posted before climb day.
Need to request a battalion change?
Submit your Battalion Change Request before the published deadline.
Please visit the Battalion Information page for more details.
Finish area and awards
After reaching the top, celebrate your accomplishment with fellow firefighters.
Enjoy post-climb refreshments, reconnect with your team, and recognize this year’s top fundraisers and fastest finishers.
Recognition and awards will take place at a later date. (typically, in May).
Thank You for Climbing
After reaching the top, celebrate your accomplishment with fellow firefighters.
Spectators are prohibited from being in the top floor recovery area.
Recognition and awards will take place at a later date. (Anticipated May 2027)
The Blood Cancer United mission: Cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. Blood Cancer United funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. Blood Cancer United is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all monetary donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by tax laws. Please check with your financial advisor if you have more questions. Tax Identification Number: 13-5644916 © 2015-2026 Blood Cancer United. A 501(c)(3) organization. All rights reserved.