Rewatch the Steel Town Throw Down competition livestream on our YouTube page!
2024
Steel Town Throw Down®
FINAL
RESULTS
YOU ALL DID ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
CHECK OUT THE FINAL RESULTS.
CHECK OUT THESE EVENT PHOTOS FROM TARA BENNETT.
CHECK OUT THESE EVENT PHOTOS FROM JESSIE FOSTER.
Event
Overview
The ASCEND Steel Town Throw Down®, scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2024, happening at ASCEND SOUTH SIDE, is Pittsburgh's premier climbing competition, designed for anyone who likes a little friendly competition while having a great time! We'll continue to add to this event post, so please check back often for the most up-to-date information.
Let us start by saying... the Steel Town Throw Down® doesn't define us, rather, it shapes us. Each year, this event breathes life into the collective soul of our community. The spirit of the Steel Town Thrown Down® is meant for everyone. If you've never competed or spectated or taken part in the slightest... this year, we invite you to take a gander, maybe just a little one, get involved, and see for yourself what it's all about!
ITINERARY | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 | SOUTH SIDE
9:00a - 12:00p: Youth Competition
12:30p: Youth Competition Awards
1:00 - 4:00p: Community Competition [Phase 1]
2:00 - 5:00p: Community Competition [Phase 2]
You may choose which phase you'd like to compete in when registering below, though, each has a maximum capacity, so don't delay in registering for your preferred phase. The split phases are meant to help alleviate some crowding and assist with scoring. You must compete within the times listed, no exceptions!
5:30p: Community Competition Awards + Finalist Selection / Start of Isolation
6:30 - 8:30p: Finals | Award Ceremony
8:30 - 11:00p: After Party + End-Of-Year ASCEND Community Celebration (at Velum Fermentation)
See below for registration links and more information on all the things.
DETAILS FOR THE
YOUTH COMPETITION
The Youth Competition is for climbers 15 years and younger. It is a non-USA Climbing sanctioned event, but would also serve as great practice for those on a competitive track. That means that every youth climber is welcome to participate! We aim to make this competition fun, challenging, and rewarding for casual climbers, as well as those in the competitive circuit looking to stay sharp between phases. We strongly encourage both local and regional competitors to register for this unique experience!
FORMAT
CHECK-IN + COMPETITOR MEETING: Please arrive between 8 - 8:30a and be ready for an important Competitor Meeting to begin promptly at 8:45a.
From 9a - 12p, climbers will compete in a redpoint competition, which means that many climbs of varying difficulty will be set for the competition. All of the boulder problems are available to all of the climbers at once, and the competitors may attempt the climbs as many times as they wish within the given time period. Each age division will have their own set of problems to climb on, separate from the others.
DIVISIONS
Competitors will be placed into the following divisions, based on their age on December 7th, 2024.
STARFISH: 9 years and younger
SALAMANDERS: 10 - 11
FALCONS: 12 - 13
BIG CATS: 14 - 15
CATEGORIES
Competitors will self-identify into the following categories, via the scorecard during the competition:
WTNB [Women, Trans, Non-Binary]
MTNB [Men, Trans, Non-Binary]
*While ASCEND recognizes that gender is not a binary system, for this competition we are asking that competitors self-select into either the WTNB or MTNB categories. Thank you for your understanding.
ACCOLADES
Awards will happen shortly after 12p, but we'll need approximately 30 minutes to tally the results and get organized.
All competitors will receive a competition poster! We encourage you to get your fellow competitors signatures and written words of encouragement! We'll provide markers and stickers to dress them up after the comp while you're waiting for the results.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in the respective divisions and categories will receive ribbons and prizes from ASCEND. 4th, 5th, and 6th place finishers will also receive ribbons.
DETAILS FOR THE
COMMUNITY COMPETITION
The Community Competition is for all ages and abilities of climbers. Like the youth competition, we aim to make this competition fun, challenging, and rewarding for casual climbers, as well as those seeking a legitimate competitive experience.
FORMAT
PHASES 1+ 2: To alleviate crowding and assist us with scoring, we're splitting everyone into two overlapping phases. You will select which phase you want to be in when you register. You will not be permitted to climb outside of the times of your phase.
CHECK-IN + COMPETITOR MEETING: Please try to arrive roughly 30-60 minutes before the start of your phase and be prepared for an important Competitor Meeting 15 minutes before the start of the phase.
Phase 1: Arrive between 12 - 12:30p and be ready for an important Competitor Meeting to begin promptly at 12:45p.
Phase 2: Arrive between 1 - 1:30p and be ready for an important Competitor Meeting to begin promptly at 1:45p.
From 1 - 4p or 2 - 5p, climbers will compete in a redpoint competition, which means that many, many climbs of varying difficulty will be set for the competition. All of the boulder problems are available to all of the climbers at once, and the competitors may attempt the climbs as many times as they wish within the given time period.
DIVISIONS
You know yourself best, so we're asking you to select which division you'll compete in. Please be aware that once scores have been reviewed, ASCEND reserves the right to move a competitor up a division, but never down. The reason for this is to be as fair as possible, and to prevent a stronger climber from entering themselves into a lower division, either by accident, or, in a nefarious attempt to ensure a first place finish.
JAZZ: V1-V4 | consistently sends purple circuit (V1-V3), often sends yellow circuit (V2-V4), works on blue circuit (V3-V5)
ROCK 'N' ROLL: V4-V6 | consistently sends blue circuit (V3-V5), often sends orange circuit (V4-V6), works on pink circuit (V5-V7)
CLASSICAL: V6-V9+ | consistently sends pink circuit (V5-V7), often sends red circuit (V6-V8), works on white circuit (V7-V9)
CATEGORIES
Competitors will self-identify into the following categories:
WTNB [Women, Trans, Non-Binary]
MTNB [Men, Trans, Non-Binary]
Masters sub-category, of 49 and older. Why 49? Because, that's why. You'll automatically be entered into this field and will be recognized as such during the accolades held before finals. Masters competitors will still be a part of the comp in every way, simply recognized as distinguished field, and maybe awarded some extra special items.
*While ASCEND recognizes that gender is not a binary system, for this competition we are asking that competitors self-select into either the WTNB or MTNB categories. Thank you for your understanding.
ACCOLADES
Awards for Jazz, Rock 'n' Roll, and Classical divisions, along with the selection of the of our Finalists will happen shortly after 5p, but we'll need approximately 30 minutes to tally the results and get organized.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in the respective divisions and categories will receive ribbons and prizes from ASCEND. 4th, 5th, and 6th place finishers will also receive ribbons!
The top three Classical finishers will be the 7th, 8th, and 9th place finishers since the top 6 are moving to the Finals round.
IN DEPTH
SCORING INFORMATION
REDPOINT ROUND
Climbers will compete in a redpoint competition, which means that many climbs of varying difficulty will be set for the competition. All of the boulder problems are available to all of the climbers at once, and the competitors may attempt the climbs as many times as they wish within the given time period, however, 10 points will be deducted for one's first, second, or additional, for a maximum deduction of 20 points on the climb's original point value. The climbs will be ranked from easiest to hardest and will come with incremental point values.
BASE SCORE EXAMPLES: 1 = 700 pts. | 6 = 2,400 pts. | 11 = 8,800 pts. | 16 = 200 pts. | 18 = 10,000 pts.
POINT DEDUCTION EXAMPLES
Climb #1 was flashed (completed on the first attempt) = 700 pts.
Climb #6 was completed on the second attempt, after just one fall = 2,390 pts.
Climb #11 was completed on the third attempt, after two falls = 8,780 pts.
Climb #16 was completed on the fourth attempt, after three falls = 180 pts.
Climb #18 was completed on the tenth attempt, after nine falls = 9,980 pts.
Each climbers' top five scores count toward their total number of points. 6th, 7th, etc. scores may come into play in the event of a tie. All scores must be peer judged by one person familiar with climbing rules who saw you complete the climb and LEGIBLY noted on scorecard.
ALL ABOUT
FINALS
COMPETITOR INFORMATION
The top six MTNB and WTNB finishers from the Classical field will move to Finals, where they will compete in front of an energetic and supportive live audience! Finals will take place on the front of the Purple Arch from the edge before the Wave Wall to the end of the Comp Wall. They will attempt to onsite four problems, having 4 minutes per boulder. All finalists will split a cash purse, amount TBA!
From 5-6:30p, the routesetters will be getting the Finals problems up and tweaked while we're also readying the space for the main event. Close to 5:30p, we will announce who the Finalists are. Shortly thereafter, they will gather their items and head to isolation, which will be held in the fitness + training zone behind the rope wall. They must stay in ISO from that point until Finals begins at 6:30p, though, we will accommodate bathroom breaks and do our best to assist them in getting anything they need from the outside world. That being said, please try and be prepared if you think you might have a shot at Finals!
Close to 6:30p, we'll get started by introducing the Finalists to the crowd. Then, they will have a few minutes to preview each boulder as a group, before being sent back into ISO. Then, we'll bring out one MTNB and one WTNB competitor at a time to run the problems, one at a time. It's going to be great!
SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Spectators may arrive anytime to grab a spot to watch Finals from. There will be limited seating close to the Arch pads, then standing room behind near the front desk to toward the bathrooms. And don't forget about the mezzanine!
Velum Fermentation will be serving beer via a satellite bar in ASCEND's space, as well as downstairs in their space.
To set the mood... ASCEND Member and good friend, Sam Shephard, A.K.A. HellaGentle, will be laying down some chill, yet groovy and energetic, down-tempo and, well, hella-gentle beats. He'll also be turning it up a notch and working to get you to dance during the after-party!
LIVESTREAM
Join us on our YouTube Page starting at 6:15p on Saturday, December 7, 2024! Competition Starts at 6:30p.
AFTER PARTY + END-OF-YEAR ASCEND COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
See below for more!
AFTER PARTY +
END-OF-YEAR ASCEND COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Whether you're into the Steel Town Throw Down or not, we're also throwing a big party at Velum Fermentation from 8:30-11p. We promise you that this will be well worth your time and sincerely hope to pack the place and have a good ol' time!
Right after Finals concludes, join us downstairs at Velum Fermentation for a fun after-party! Everyone from the ASCEND community is encouraged to attend.
NUTS + BOLTS
Danceable Tunes + Beats from 8:30-10:30p courtesy of ASCEND Member and good friend, Sam Shephard, A.K.A. HellaGentle.
Cold Friends Kitchen will be cooking up all the yummies (they've got dope vegan and gluten free options!) from 1p - 3a.
Velum Fermentation will be slinging their tasty beer, and serving up cocktails/mocktails courtesy of Goodlander Cocktail Brewery. There's truly something for everyone!
S'MORES BUFFET TABLE - Yep, you read that right. We'll provide the flames, roasting sticks, and all the fixins. Please, enjoy this.
[TBD] PROPANE FIRE PITS - Velum has THREE fire place units to roast your mallows, keep the tub-clubbers warm, and to maximize the vibes on a chilly evening.
EVENT
SPONSORS + SUPPORTERS
SPONSORS
We couldn't run these events without the generous support of our most valued and trusted partners. The following brands and organizations have contributed in-kind donations that will go toward our 1st - 3rd prize packages and the after-party bounty prizes.
Urban Tree - Custom, one-of-a-kind, handmade trophies!
Butora - All six 1st place finishers in the Jazz, Rock 'n' Roll, and Classical divisions will win a Also, Bouldering Brushes, Magic Finger
Friction Labs - 12oz packages of Friction Labs Unicorn Dust (fine) and Gorilla Grip (medium chunky) chalks
Underground Climbing - Heavy duty Project chalk buckets
Midnight Lightning - Chalktopus, Mini Bags Powder Chalk, Liquid Chalk!
Chalk Cartel - Half Kilo and sample sized bags of chalk
Organic Climbing - Climbing gear tote bags
Wild Country - Session Chalkbags
Sterling Rope - 2 Bartleby Packs! These backpacks are great for getting to and from the gym. The pack even sports a special compartment to keep your climbing shoes separate from your other goods!
Asana Climbing - Bouldering tote bags and mini chalk bucket
ASCEND Climbing - Logo hoodies and t-shirts, bandanas, Steel Town Throw Down pins and patches
FOOD + BEV
Standing Wave Coffee Truck - Serving coffee, breakfast burritos, and pastries from 9a-1p
Cold Friends Kitchen - Serving a diverse menu from 1p - 3a.
Velum Fermentation / Goodlander Cocktail Brewery - Fueling the party from 5 - 11p.
STEEL TOWN THROW DOWN®
PRICING
These events take a lot of time and effort for us to host. Don't get us wrong, WE LOVE TO DO IT, but we're mostly striving to cover our costs. We aim to price these types of events not to make a large profit, but to provide value for you and sustainability for us.
REGISTER BY EOD 11/27
Youth Competition: $30 | $20 for A-Team Members (our youth climbing team)
Adult Competition: $55 | $40 for active ASCEND Members
REGISTER ON OR AFTER 11/28
Youth Competition: $35 | $25 for A-Team Members (our youth climbing team)
Adult Competition: $65 | $50 for active ASCEND Members
EVENT T-SHIRT
This year, event shirts will be screen printed on-site during the event from 3:30-6p! You will be able to select your size and whether you want the design on the front or the back of the shirt. HOW COOL IS THAT?! And for only $15 if you purchase this ticket (same registration links) before December 7. Otherwise it'll be $20 per shirt on the day of.
SPECTATORS
Spectators are welcome and encouraged at no cost! That would be like charging to see a sporting event like football or hockey! Wait a minute... this is a deal!
ASCEND SOUTH SIDE
FACILITIES CLOSURES
Don't forget that ASCEND Erie and Point Breeze will be open for you!
Sunday, December 1 - No purple arch boulder (starting at 4p)
Monday, December 2 - No purple arch boulder, no blue boulder (starting at 2p)
Tuesday, December 3 - No purple arch boulder, no blue boulder
Wednesday, December 4 - No bouldering (starting at 10a)
Thursday, December 5 - No bouldering
Friday, December 6 - No bouldering
Saturday, December 7 - CLOSED for the competitions (spectators welcome at no cost!)
Sunday, December 8 - 100% open for redemption
Note: Most yoga, fitness, and climbing classes will run throughout the week, but check calendars to ensure availability. ASCEND South Side will be closed all day on 12-7-24 for the event (including yoga, fitness, training, and rope-wall), but spectators are strongly encouraged to attend and cheer at no cost!
Also due to the terrain closures to prepare for this competition, be aware of the following adjustments to the A-Team South Side practice schedule:
Sunday, Dec. 1 - No changes. Practices as normal.
Monday, Dec. 2 - No changes. Practices as normal.
Tuesday, Dec. 3 - No changes. Practices as normal.
Wednesday, Dec. 4 - COMP and ADV team practice at Iron City Boulders
Thursday, Dec. 5 - REC and INT team practice at ASCEND Point Breeze
Friday, Dec. 6 - COMP team practice at ASCEND Point Breeze
Saturday, Dec. 7 - Steel Town Throw Down® in South Side. REC and INT team practice at ASCEND Point Breeze. No practice for Steel Town Throw Down® participants.
Sunday, Dec. 8 - No changes. Practices as normal.