Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Pole Vault Summit
The Pole Vault Summit is one of the most significant annual events in the pole vaulting community, offering a unique opportunity for athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts to come together. Whether you’re a first-time competitor, an elite vaulter, or a parent supporting a young athlete, the 2025 Pole Vault Summit promises an enriching experience filled with learning, competition, and camaraderie. Here's an in-depth guide to what you can expect:
The Pole Vault Summit 2025 will be held on January 17-18, 2025, at the Reno Livestock Events Center in Reno, Nevada. For over 30 years, the Summit has provided a unique mix of clinics, competitions, and networking opportunities for athletes and coaches of all levels.
The event is organized by UCS Spirit, one of the leading names in pole vaulting equipment, and consistently attracts a large turnout from across the world. In past years, the Summit has hosted more than 1,000 participants and dozens of high-level competitions.
Athletes, coaches, parents, and spectators can all register to attend the event. Here are the important registration details:
Early Bird Registration (Ends September 30, 2024):
Athlete: $140
Coach: $90
Parent: $75
Spectator: $55
Normal Registration (Ends November 30, 2024):
Athlete: $170
Coach: $115
Parent: $80
Spectator: $55
Late Registration (Ends December 31, 2024):
Athlete: $210
Coach: $120
Parent: $85
Spectator: $60
Due to high demand, certain divisions like the High School Boys and Girls may sell out before the deadline.
Learning Opportunities and Clinics
One of the most valuable aspects of the Summit is the learn-by-doing clinics. These clinics cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced athletes, and are led by a team of elite national and international coaches. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Beginner & High School Athlete Clinics:
Athletes are grouped according to skill level, whether you're a first-time vaulter or a state champion. Sessions focus on drills, technical development, and fun, allowing athletes to improve in a supportive environment.
Advanced Athletes (College, Open, Masters):
Advanced clinics and breakout sessions delve into high-level technical concepts, mental preparation, and safety protocols. These sessions allow athletes to interact directly with coaches and other elite vaulters in a conversational setting.
Coaches Clinics:
Coaches can participate in lectures and round-table discussions on topics like technical training, safety in vaulting, and athlete development. Renowned names in the pole vaulting world, like David Butler (Rice University) and Danny Wilkerson (Bethel University), lead these discussions.
Parent-Specific Sessions:
Parents can attend specialized lectures focusing on the well-being, safety, and athletic development of their children. These sessions provide parents with practical insights into the sport and tips on how to support their athletes.
For the 2025 event, participants will stay at the new hotel partner, Grand Sierra Resort. The event will continue to take place at the Reno Livestock Events Center, which offers 15 pole vault runways and multiple sessions. Shuttle services will be provided between the hotel and the arena.
Pole Vault Summit Address:
Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
1350 N Wells Ave
Reno, NV 89512, US
For attendees of the National Pole Vault Summit, the recommended hotel is the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. This centrally located resort offers convenient access to the Summit venue, entertainment options, and great amenities for visitors.
Pole Vault Summit Hotel Address:
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
2500 E 2nd St
Reno, NV 89595, US
You can take advantage of the special group rate using the following link: Pole Vault Summit Group Rate. Rates are currently as follows:
$69 per night on weekdays.
$159 per night on Friday and Saturday.
For special event pricing, visit: Grand Sierra Resort.
In addition to the hotel, Reno offers a variety of vacation rentals. You can find many five-star vacation homes available for $200–$300 per night. Browse your options here: Vacation Rentals in Reno.
Throughout its history, the Pole Vault Summit has attracted some of the best athletes in the world, making it a hub for the sport. Previous elite attendees include:
Armand "Mondo" Duplantis: Set a world junior record at the Summit in 2018.
Shawnacy Barber: Cleared 6 meters at the Summit in 2016
KC Lightfoot and Katie Moon (formerly Nageotte): 2022 winners in the elite men’s and women’s divisions.
The 2025 edition will likely see similar high-level competition, making it an exciting event for spectators and participants alike.
From January 13, 2025, to January 19, 2025, Reno Tahoe offers a range of exciting activities and events for visitors. Here's what you can enjoy during the Pole Vault Summit week:
Ski Trip to Heavenly in Lake Tahoe
Only a short drive from Reno, Heavenly is one of the top ski resorts in Tahoe, offering stunning views and a variety of ski runs for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you can enjoy a full day of skiing or snowboarding.
Location:
4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Lift Tickets: Pricing varies, so booking in advance is recommended for the best rates.
More Info: Heavenly Ski Resort
The Book of Mormon (Jan 17–19, 2025)
Catch the highly acclaimed musical The Book of Mormon at the Pioneer Center for Performing Arts in Downtown Reno.
The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.”
The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.”
Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.”
Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it “Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal.”
This outrageous comedy follows a mismatched pair of missionaries sent halfway across the world. It’s a must-see, nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical that’s taken the world by storm.
Location: Pioneer Center for Performing Arts
Dates: January 17–19, 2025
More Info: Pioneer Center Website
Note: Contains explicit language.
Explore Downtown Reno's Events
Downtown Reno is a vibrant hub of nightlife, dining, and entertainment. Explore the iconic Reno Arch, enjoy the Riverwalk District, or wander through Midtown to experience local food, art, and culture.
The Pole Vault Summit regularly receives media attention, especially given its status as a major gathering for the pole vault community. Highlights over the years include world record attempts, special breakout sessions with elite athletes, and a vibrant competitive atmosphere.
"Mission first, people always." – General Ronald P. Clark, 2020
Steve Chappell, Co-Founder of UCS Spirit, described the Summit as, “a grassroots developmental clinic established to promote safety and advance pole vaulting through constant education."
Media outlets such as USTFCCCA and World Athletics cover the Summit, particularly when notable athletes like Duplantis and Barber are competing.
While spectators don’t have access to learning sessions, they can still enjoy watching competitions and participating in the social aspects of the event. With over 1,000 attendees expected, the Summit provides excellent opportunities for networking, both for athletes and for coaches looking to recruit or share insights.
The 2025 Pole Vault Summit is set to be another exciting, educational, and competitive event for pole vaulters, coaches, and enthusiasts from around the world. With sessions tailored to every skill level, world-class instruction, and a friendly atmosphere, this Summit offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking to refine your technique, connect with top coaches, or simply witness the sport’s top athletes in action, the 2025 Summit is not to be missed.
For more details and registration, visit the official Pole Vault Summit website.