If you’re a local hockey fan, you might recognize one of the competitors at this year’s Rocky Mountain State Games — but not where you would expect. This will be Brent Haney’s first year competing in top-level disc-golf at the RMSG. Before this, 36-year-old Haney played varsity ice hockey at Doherty High School in Colorado Springs and was named to the 1999 senior all-star hockey game at The Broadmoor World Arena. He played competitive ice hockey for 16 years, but he has been playing disc golf for 20.
Haney is only one of the thousands of athletes that you can watch compete in over 40 different sports in Colorado Springs this summer. And many like him choose to enter new or different events.
From July 21-23 and July 28-30, athletes of all levels and abilities will compete in the 16th annual Rocky Mountain State Games. Over 6,500 athletes, ages 4 to 95, have registered so far to compete in this year’s games. Last year, 10,513 athletes competed in 2016 in sports such as pickleball, arm wrestling and air hockey.
It is expected that over 10,000 athletes will register this year too, says Aubrey McCoy, director of operations and marketing for Colorado Springs Sports Corporation.
“I think the beautiful thing about the Rocky Mountain State Games is that it’s open to everybody; really you can be a beginner to the sport or have some elite skills. All the sports are unique in their own way,” McCoy says. “We just welcome everyone from all states and all ages to come and participate. It’s a really great community event, where everyone can get engaged in the grassroots level sports. We just encourage people to come out and participate.”
Highly-skilled athletes are not the only ones who can compete. New additions to the Rocky Mountain State Games include events and sports competitions for kids, families and seniors. Four new sports that have been added this year include roundnet (also known as Spikeball), the ROAR Urban Adventure Race, triathlon and aquathlon.
Of course, those who don’t want to compete can always cheer from the stands. Most competitions are free; only basketball and track and field require paid admission. And volunteers are needed to help out with the Games.
Where to Start
Looking to join the Games yourself? Here are a few highlighted sports great for anyone to join at this year’s Rocky Mountain State Games:
Roundnet (Spikeball)
If volleyball and foursquare turned into one game, this would be it. In roundnet, two teams of two stand around a circular net and have to hit the ball back onto the net in three or fewer hits. You can register online by July 26 to join this competition new to the Rocky Mountain State Games. This co-ed tournament will be held at Goose Gossage Park.
Air Hockey
This popular arcade game is no joke. The 2017 Air Hocky Players Assocation (AHPA) Air Hockey World Championship will be held at the Chapel Hills Mall, where adult competitors have a chance at winning a $3,000 air hockey table July 21-July 23. Interested athletes can register online by July 19 for the amateur league (age brackets are 12 to 15 and 11 and younger) or the adult league (16 or older).
Stand-Up Paddleboard
On July 29, you can compete in the beginner’s race or try the obstacle race with a stand-up paddleboard on Prospect Lake in Memorial Park. Hosted by UpaDowna and the YMCA, athletes can register online by July 26 for $15 or on-site for $18. Each additional event costs $10 online and $12 on-site.
ROAR Urban Adventure Race
UpaDowna has hosted this race for four years, but this is the first time it will be part of the Rocky Mountain State Games. Also known as the “Really Outrageous Adventure Race,” this event is full of mental and physical challenges for teams of four to six people. This year’s theme is “Jungle ROAR in the City.” Participants can register until July 22 for $50 per person. Participants 17 years and under are $15, and each additional child is $5. Kids 5 and younger are free.
Registration and Details
Find registration information for every sport, register to volunteer, or buy spectator tickets at rockymountainstategames.org.
Tickets are required to watch basketball and trac and field. Daily admission is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and 13- to 18-year-olds. Kids 12 and under get free admission. A weekend pass is $12.
Sports and Dates
Air Hockey: Friday, July 21-Sunday, July 23
Aquathlon: Saturday, July 29
Archery: Sunday, July 30
Arm Wrestling: Saturday, July 29
Badminton: Sunday, July 23
Basketball (5v5): Friday, July 21-Sunday, July 23
Billiards: Friday, July 21-Sunday, July 23
Color in Motion 5K: Saturday, July 29
Cricket: Saturday, July 22-Sunday, July 23; and Saturday, July 29-Sunday, July 30
Cycling (Track): Saturday, July 29
Cycling (Time Trial): Friday, July 28
Cycling (Criterium): Saturday, July 29
Cycling (Road): Sunday, July 30
Disc Golf: Sunday, July 23; Saturday, July 29-Sunday, July 30
Diving: Saturday, July 29
Dog Agility: Friday, July 28-Sunday July 30
Field Hockey: Friday, July 21-Sunday, July 23; and Friday, July 28-Sunday July 30
Figure Skating: Friday, Sept. 15-Sunday, Sept. 17
Flag Football: Sunday, July 23
Goalball: Friday, July 28
Great Inflatable Race: Saturday, July 22
Inline Hockey: Friday, July 21-Sunday, July 23; and Friday, July 28-Sunday, July 30
Inline Speed Skating: Sunday, July 30
Mountain Biking: Saturday, July 29
Orienteering: Saturday, July 22
Pickleball: Saturday, July 22-Sunday, July 23
Powerlifting: Friday, July 28-Sunday, July 30
Racquetball: Friday, July 21-Sunday, July 23; and Friday, July 28-Sunday, July 30
ROAR Urban Adventure Race: Saturday, July 22
Rock Climbing: Saturday, July 22; and Saturday, July 29-Sunday, July 30
Roundnet (Spikeball): Saturday, July 29
Shooting: Saturday, July 22
Soccer: Friday, July 21-Sunday, July 23; and Friday, July 28-Sunday, July 30
Softball (Slow Pitch): Saturday, July 29-Sunday, July 30
Stand Up Paddleboard: Saturday, July 29
Table Tennis: Saturday, July 22-Sunday, July 23; and Saturday, July 29-Sunday, July 30
Tennis: Friday, July 21-Sunday, July 23; and Friday, July 28-Sunday, July 30
Track and Field: Saturday, July 22-Sunday, July 23; and Saturday, July 29
Triathlon: Sunday, July 23
Ultimate Frisbee: Saturday, July 22-Sunday, July 23
Volleyball (Beach): Saturday, July 22-Sunday, July 23
Volleyball (Grass): Sunday, July 30
Volleyball (Indoor): Saturday, July 29
Weightlifting: Saturday, July 22-Sunday, July 23; and Saturday, July 29-Sunday, July 30
Find more details for every sport at rockymountainstategames.org.
