IT’S ON! BIGGER THAN EVER!
Joe Weider’s 2005 Olympia Weekend is set to make history with its 40th Anniversary rendition.

American Media International (AMI) and the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) have finalized plans for Joe Weider’s 2005 Olympia Weekend, the biggest event on the bodybuilding calendar. Celebrating its 40 anniversary, the Olympia jamboree also moves to bigger and more exciting facilities.

Las Vegas will once again play host to the annual paen to muscle, health and fitness, which will span Thursday, October 13th through Sunday October 16th. The Mr. Olympia competition, the pinnacle of the four-day extravaganza, will be held at the brand new, state-of-the-art, 8,000-seat Orleans Arena, part of the Orleans Hotel and Casino, which will be the official Olympia host hotel.

With the Olympia extravaganza growing every year the Expo will flex its expanding muscles at the renowned Las Vegas Convention Center, enabling many more vendors and attractions to be on view at bodybuilding’s event of the year.

David Pecker, CEO and Chairman of AMI, says, “We're excited to have had the opportunity to move the Olympia Weekend into the combined facilities of the Orleans Arena and hotel, and the Las Vegas Convention Center. In terms of both quality and quantity we've taken a step up, guaranteeing an Olympia Weekend that is sure to surpass the high standards we and the IFBB set last year."

So to recap and augment here are the major features that will make this year’s Joe Weider’s Olympia Weekend a landmark event.

• THE ORELEANS ARENA: The Oreleans Arena comprises state-of-the-art seating and broadcast technology. Dramatically tiered seating means fans will have a closer view of the action which means there’s not bad seat in the house. This will be the largest and best arena to ever stage the Mr. Olympia contest.

• LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER: The LVCC provides a more spacious environment that allows for a larger EXPO than previous years, with easier navigation than ever. Look for new vendors and a host of exciting events at the EXPO all weekend long.

• THE ORLEANS HOTEL AND CASINO: The Orleans/ Olympia partnership ensures a considerably more affordable rate is available than at past Olympias, making it accessible to a broader range of bodybuilding fans. As the official hotel of Olympia weekend the Orleans will also be the place to see all of your favorite bodybuilding, figure and fitness celebrities

• THE OLYMPIA’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY: The 2005 Olympia marks the 40th anniversary of the ultimate event in men’s bodybuilding competition. Special events are planned and celebrity guests will be on hand to help celebrate this historic occasion.

• RONNIE GOES FOR EIGHT: Ronnie Coleman has confirmed that he will attempt to make his own history as he competes for his eighth consecutive Mr. Olympia title. A win would tie him with the legendary Lee Haney for all-time Olympia wins.

BUILDING ON 2004: After dipping its toe in the Olympia waters last year, the IFBB/AMI partnership is committed to taking the Olympia Weekend and bodybuilding to soaring new heights. Last year’s innovations included a giant billboard in Times Square, celebrity guests such as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Triple H and Tom Arnold, and the revolutionary Challenge Round. Well, as plans develop for Joe Weider’s 2005 Olympia Weekend, we promise, “You ain’t seen nuthin’ yet!”