Urban Rocks Gym, the city’s first indoor climbing gym, will celebrate its grand opening on January 17 at 1007 Appling Street.
The grand opening will feature raffles, outdoor vendor booths, and refreshments. Free belay lessons will be available all day offering a great chance to learn the skills necessary to rock climb. Special introductory membership rates will also be available.
A ribbon cutting, which is being arranged by the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, will begin at 2 p.m.
Urban Rocks is providing Chattanooga residents with a world-class climbing facility with 10,000 square feet of indoor climbing built by the country’s leading wall designer and builder, Rockwerx Inc.
The facility offers lead climbing, top rope and top out bouldering, with over 100 routes and an unlimited number of bouldering challenges. With rock-like structures soaring 35 feet to the ceiling peak and multi-colored holds littering the wall’s surface, the gym is a unique addition to Chattanooga’s fitness and outdoor oriented lifestyles.
Owner Chris Gibson says he hopes the gym will foster a positive atmosphere that is welcoming to newcomers and energizing for its members. Urban Rocks will also offer programs for children, a wide range of classes, birthday parties and a training area. With a helpful and knowledgeable staff as well as a full rental gear shop Urban Rocks provides all the tools necessary for a fun day on the ropes.
Mr. Gibson has been climbing for over 20 years and is proficient in all types of climbing, including traditional climbing, sport climbing and bouldering. “One of climbing’s addictive elements is the personal sense of accomplishment attained after succeeding on a route that has been thwarting your previous attempts,” said Gibson. “It also creates an insatiable drive to travel to new places to climb. While Chattanooga has always been my home base, climbing has been a wonderful opportunity for me to travel and see new places – something that many traditional sports don’t provide.”
Gibson and co-owner Rebecca Robran spent three years traveling and working to save the funds for the gym. “It was a long process of scrimping and saving, finding a location for the gym and getting a bank to realize this was a viable business.” said Robran.
“We feel we’re bringing something special to Chattanooga. The gym will provide a chance for everyone to experience rock climbing in a safe and non-threatening environment. It’s an amazing sport and we are very excited to share our passion with the area’s residents.”
Urban Rocks will employ eight to ten employees and rock climbing instructors. Hours of operation will range from noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For more information contact Rebecca Robran at 423 475-6578 or send an email to [email protected].
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Directions to the gym from Rock/Creek at Two North Shore:
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