ATHLETE INFORMATION

Here are some common questions we get, and their answers.

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• ​When is the deadline to register?

  • February 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST​

• When is the deadline for athlete changes (weight class and adding of divisions)?

  • March 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST​

• When is the early equipment check?

  • Friday, March  27, 2026, TBD

  • Athlete check-in can be done as well, so you can get your badge and meet shirt.

  • Rack heights will be done during your session check-ins.

• What happens if I don't make weight?

  • You will lift as a guest lifter. If you are part of a team, we will need to remove the team, as guest lifters do not count towards team points, and you will not be able to podium for the event.​

• Why is the warm-up room downstairs?

  • While you aren't directly in the competition area, you are a quick escalator or elevator ride away. We will make sure to have the livestream and the display boards in the warm-up room, and also staff to alert lifters in certain flights how many lifters out so they can move them along.​

• What time do the athlete and equipment check open before weigh-ins?

  • We will open athlete check-in and equipment check 30 minutes before the weigh-ins start.​

• Does my coach need to be a USA Powerlifting member?

  • No, for State Championships, coaches do not need to join USA Powerlifting.​

• Can I record my lifts in the warm-up room and comp platform?

  • While we accommodate people recording their warm-ups, if your equipment gets in the way of the other people, then we will ask you to stop. Coaches CAN NOT record from the coaches' box near the platform. If we see if we will ask your coach to vacate the warm-up room.​

• How many people can I have handle me in the warm-up room?

  • We are allowing 2 coaches per athlete in the warm-up room. 

  • Only 1 of them will be allowed in the coaches' box during your attempts.

• What type of equipment will be used for the event?

  • We are using TSS (Texas Strength Systems) bars, collars, combos, and Rogue plates for the competition platforms.

• What does it cost to get in?

  • Expo entry is $30 per day.​

  • Coaches will need to purchase an expo entry pass as well as a warm-up room pass for the sessions they are going to be handling people. The cost for that is $15 per session

• Can I bring my own media team?

  • Sure, they just have to buy spectator tickets and sit in the spectator area, and also not block others from watching.​

• Can I bring my own food in?

  • While outside food is never allowed in the Albany Capital Center, they allow a concession for athletes. Please don't go shopping and bring 5 bags of food, and leave 3 to be thrown out.​

• ​If I'm an athlete, do I need to pay for a spectator pass?

  • No, you just need your badge, which you can get during the early equipment check or your session check-in.​

• Can I check in for a session other than the one currently checking in?

  • Yes, you may check in during any check-in session, but wait until all athletes competing in the session have checked in first.

• Are there media packages available?

  • Yes, Kevin Drury Photography will be handling all aspects of photo and video.​

  • Media Package Link (Coming Soon)