Opening Ceremony is an inspirational, community-rallying party to kick off Ride Weekend, featuring entertainment, impactful storytelling, and food and drinks. Explore event details including schedule, tickets, parking, and more below.
Explore the Opening Ceremony venue map for locations and details.
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Opening Ceremony Details
McFerson Commons and North Bank Park (218 West St, Columbus, OH 43215)
11:30am-8:00pm
Rider Check-in and Gift Distribution, First Aid Services, Bike Storage and Maintenance, Bag Drop-off, and Merch Sales
4:00pm
Gates Open
4:00-8:00pm
Dinner Buffet, Partner Expo, Beverages
5:00-6:15pm
DJ on Stage: Ari and Zak Blumer of Clubhouse
6:30-7:00pm
Stage Program with Speakers (including Dr. Kim Rathmell, new CEO of the OSUCCC – James)
7:00-8:00pm
Headliner Performance by O.A.R.
All Riders should come to McFerson Commons to check-in and pick up their Rider Credential Packet.
On Friday morning, August 1, you will receive a text message with important information you need to check in. Please have this text and your photo ID ready at the Rider Check-In tent.
If you do not receive a text message, don’t worry! Go to the Check-In tent when you arrive and a Volunteer will help you.
High Rollers should check in at the High Roller tent near the entrance to McFerson Commons.
If you are unable to check in and receive your Rider credentials on Friday evening, you may pick up your credentials on Sunday morning at New Albany Schools. Please be sure to arrive on site by 8:00am to allow ample time to pick up your credentials.
If utilizing Ride day check in, please email pelotonia@pelotonia.org to coordinate pick up of your Rider gift at Pelotonia HQ following Ride Weekend.
Please note: 30 Mile Riders can NOT drop their bike at the McFerson Commons bike corral on Friday, as bikes will not be transported to the New Albany start. All Riders will need to bring their bike with them to New Albany on Sunday morning.
The following participants may attend the Opening Ceremony (includes stage program + O.A.R. concert):
2025 Ride Weekend Riders (plus one guest)
2025 Gravel Day Riders & Trail Run/Hike Participants (plus one guest)
Volunteers/Challengers who raise $1,250+ by July 31 (plus one guest)
High Rollers who commit to raise at least $5,000 (plus three guests)
For entrance into Opening Ceremony:
Ride Weekend Riders will receive wristbands in Rider credential packet.
Gravel Day participants and non-Rider High Rollers will receive wristbands by mail.
Eligible Volunteers/Challengers will be added to the entry list for easy admittance and will receive an email confirmation.
IMPORTANT PARKING INFO: EXPECT HEAVY TRAFFIC
There are several events happening in the Arena District on Friday night. While the McConnell, Neil Avenue (after 5pm), and Marconi Garages are available on a limited basis, all participants and guests should park in the Front Street Garage, which is accessible from the east.
You can easily access this garage by traveling south on 3rd Street or north on 4th Street, turning west on Spring Street, then north on Front Street.
Please be patient and plan to allow extra time for traffic and parking!
Use the parking pass linked on this page to access free parking in the designated Arena District garages by scanning the QR code upon entry and exit to these garages. If you choose to park in a different lot or garage, you are responsible for all necessary payment and adhering to all restrictions.
PLEASE NOTE: Lots west of Neil Avenue will not be accessible. If you choose to park in any location outside of those covered by the parking pass, you are responsible for applicable fees.
The SR-315 North ramp to US-33 will be closed. If arriving via 315, it is recommended that attendees exit to 670 East to 3rd Street to access the Front Street garage.
Please note: Most parking garage entrances do not have the vertical clearance to accommodate bicycles mounted on roof racks, so please plan accordingly.
