The National Level NPC season officially kicks off this weekend in Charleston, South Carolina. The show moves back to the East Coast and earlier in the year after a trial run in Houston, Texas last year. Most people agree that this is the right place and time to start the season. This year’s show will be one for the history books as the new Women’s Physique division will be introduced. It could be a sign of the times as 48 women have registered to compete in this new division and two of them will be awarded IFBB Pro status. There are only 7 women registered for female bodybuilding at this show. Sure, there aren’t pro cards awarded at this show for the female bodybuilders but that is a huge difference in entrants. Sadly there are only 8 fitness competitors registered and one of them will be awarded IFBB Pro status. It leaves many people wondering is this the end of Fitness? We’ll discuss that at another time but it certainly could be if more women don’t enter the upcoming shows.
The Figure division continues to be the largest, followed by bikini. Despite what some people think, Figure entrants have not decreased with the inception of the Bikini division. Two pro cards will be awarded in each division. The women will dominate this show with over 240 total hardbody ladies taking the stage. There will be 102 women in Figure and 76 women are entered in the Bikini division.
This show also introduces the new Men’s Physique division, which has been popular and continues to grow. Two men will be awarded IFBB pro status on Saturday night. Bob Chic will be the emcee of the evening and Tracey Greenwood will be making sure everything runs smoothly with the expediting duties. Promoters Shannon and Tres always take great care of the competitors and you can count on a first class production once again. There is a new host hotel, so please take note of that on the schedule below.
I, Isaac, will be the official NPC Photographer for the event. If you’d like to order a CD of individual competitor photos you may do so by downloading the PDF order form here. If you give this to me before the end of the weekend you will save some coin. Money Mark Mason will be handling the video for this show and if you’re interested in a DVD of the event, you can download his form here.
There are grocery stores and restaurants nearby the venue and host hotel. If you’re looking for a gym check out Pivotal Fitness. They will be letting anyone with a current NPC card train free. Maps are available at the host hotel.
We’ll be reporting live all weekend from Charleston so be sure to follow along on twitter @hardbodynews and on our facebook fan page. See ya in Charleston!
Complete info available at: http://www.npcjuniorusa.com.
There is a shuttle from the airport to the host hotel.
Hyatt Place Charleston Airport/Convention Center
3234 West Montague Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29418, USA
Phone: +1 843 302 8600
Fax: +1 843 302 8601
VENUE:
North Charleston Coliseum
5001 Coliseum Drive
North Charleston, SC 29418
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
FRIDAY MAY 20, 2011
Location: HYATT PLACE
NPC OFFICE OPEN 5:00PM-9:00PM
ATHLETE CHECK IN / WEIGH IN 9:00AM-11:00AM or 5:00PM-7:00PM
*NOTE: Athletes are only required to check in once, either @ the morning session or the evening session. ATHLETES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO CHECK IN @ BOTH
SATURDAY MAY 21, 2011:
Location: PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
DOORS OPEN TO PUBLIC 8:00AM
PREJUDGING BEGINS 8:30AM
MEETING TIME:
FITNESS / WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING / MEN’S BODYBUILDING / MEN’S PHYSIQUE 7:30 AM
WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE 9:00 AM
FIGURE 9:30 AM
BIKINI 10:00 AM
PRE-JUDGING ORDER
FITNESS ROUTINES
WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING
MEN’S BODYBUILDING
MEN’S PHYSIQUE
WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE
FITNESS 2 PC
FIGURE
BIKINI
*THESE TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, FINAL TIMES WILL BE POSTED IN THE HYATT LOBBY FRIDAY NIGHT.
FINALS:
TOP 15 ALL DIVISIONS MANDATORY MEETING 5:00PM
DOORS OPEN TO PUBLIC 5:30PM
FINALS BEGIN 6:00PM
