Tucson Challenge Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the event in Tucson held?
We are on track to hold the 9/11 Tower Challenge at the Tucson Community Center (TCC) Arena. We have also added a virtual registration for those who either cannot attend or who do not want to attend in-person. See below for additional information about this option.

What time does the event start?
The opening ceremonies begin promptly at 0700 so please ensure to allow enough time to park and check in prior to that time. We recommend arriving 30 minutes early.

What precautions are you taking to protect against COVID-19?
We are monitoring the situation and working with the venue and our local elected officials to ensure the safest situation for everyone and will implement any required minimum distances and protocols required by the venue. Masks are not required, but strongly recommended.

Additionally, the TCC monitors the CO2 levels within the arena and introduces fresh air when they reach 600ppm. For reference, the CDC says "good ventilation” is at 800ppm or below, and typical outdoor CO2 levels are between 250-400ppm.

Read more about this (and in particular, look at FAQ #9) on the CDC website.

What is a Virtual Registration?
When you register to attend virtually, you will receive all of the t-shirt, swag bags, coins and badges as those who attend in-person. Virtual attendees do not complete the challenge at the venue but instead find a location (gym stair-stepper, running/walking, high school stadium steps, etc.) to complete the challenge on their own. This is a great option for those who don’t live in Arizona but want to participate, or for those who do not want to attend in-person due to the COVID-19 risk.

How do I switch from in-person to virtual (or from virtual to in-person)?
Follow these instructions on how to transfer your ticket. There is no charge to transfer so please let us know if you have any trouble or the system asks you for payment. Be sure that if you registered as a “pre-registrant”, that you select the same level of registration to transfer. Please help us and transfer your ticket if you are making a switch as this helps us to have better planning for the event.

When do I need to register by?
Early registration will be from May 1st - May 31st. Early registration will be given at a discounted rate. Registration will be June 1st through August 16th. We are limiting the number of in-person attendees, so it's critical to sign up early to ensure you get a spot.

Registration before August 16th allows us to guarantee shirt sizes and ensure they arrive in time for packet pickup.

All registrations will end August 16th or when event capacity is reached. If available, late registration will open August 17th and end September 6th.

When will I get my t-shirt?
All participants will receive a swag bag with a commemorative badge and t-shirt, along with other goodies from the sponsors during packet pickup.

When is packet pickup?
Packet pickup and locations will be shown during registration.

Can I register on the day of the event?
Only if we have not reached event capacity! Please click on the “Register to Climb” link above, and if there’s room, you’ll be able to register. Remember that sales end September 6th, and same day registration may not be available if capacity has been reached.

Once capacity is reached, we will be unable to accommodate day-of registrants. Please be aware that for day-of registrants, a t-shirt is not guaranteed, and you may miss the beginning of the event. We highly recommend registering for the event prior to its start time.

How do I join a team after registering as an individual?
Please click here to follow Eventbrite’s instructions based on your situation. If you're joining a team, be sure to get the team name from the Team Captain first.

Can children attend the event?
Children must be 16 & older to climb the stairs, and may not be carried on the stairs during the event, however they may participate in the concourse walk. Child care is not provided, however each location will have a designated area for children with their guardians.

I’d like to watch the event as a non-participant, or I’m participating in the event and bringing someone along to watch. How do I reserve a spot?
All non-participants must be supporting a registered individual. To reserve a spot, select the “Non-Participant Attendee” free registration and fill out the information. As a requirement of attending, you’ll need to put in the name of the person that is being supported and we will check to ensure that person is registered.

Where do I park?
Park in the parking garage, on the West side of the TCC, next to the DoubleTree hotel. The entrance is located off of W Cushing Street.

What should I bring with me to the event?
Comfortable clothing, running shoes/sneakers, and the badge you received in your registration bag (this gains you entry to the event). We provide water at the event, but please hydrate the day before!

Will there be heat waves to start the event?
Yes, on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone will receive a wristband denoting which wave they will be part of. Teams do not need to walk together, but if there is a preference to do so, we recommend ensuring your team arrives together to the event.

I’m much (faster/slower) than the others. What should I do?
First, please remember that this is a memorial event and personal challenge, and not a fitness competition. Please be respectful to everyone around you and be aware of your surroundings as you progress. Almost all of the staircases will be split into two, divided by a handrail, so the general rule is that slower climbers stay to the right, and faster climbers stay to the left. All first responders in full turnout get the right of way. Please be respectful of each one and give them plenty of space during their climb.

For fast climbers, please be sure to stay to the left, and be patient if you find that you’re behind someone slower than yourself. You’ll get a chance to pass at the top of each staircase. For slower climbers, stay to the right, and feel free to step out of the aisle and into the stands to let others pass if you wish; or if you want to pass another slow climber, please ensure the way is clear before moving to the left side, making your pass, and then move back to the right.

What should I do if I need a break or need help?
Anyone who needs a break is welcome to take a seat in the stands. If you’re a climber and you’d like to switch to the walk, you may be permitted to do so as you wish. If you need help, please find one of our volunteers, wearing bright orange t-shirts, or one of our Foundation Board members, wearing blue and white polos.

How long does the climb typically take to complete?
While this ranges based on fitness level, we see anywhere from 30minutes at best to an hour at most, but the majority of attendees complete it within 45 minutes.

Can I wear my kit, such as body armor or other personal protective equipment?
Absolutely. We love to have firefighters in full turnout, police and military in body armor at the event. It serves as a visual reminder of what our fallen Heroes went through that day, and of what our first responders and current Heroes are willing to do for us now. If you choose to kit up, you’ll have your own start point to give you a bit of a head start.

I’m military, police, public safety, or other first responder. Do I get a discount?
Thank you SO much for your service! You are the reason why we hold this event. We don’t have a general discount because the majority of attendees are first responders of some type - and the proceeds are fed directly back into your community via the beneficiaries.

What we do instead is give a discount to all ROTC Cadets! If you fall into this category, please get with your leadership for your code. If they don’t have the code, please have them email us directly.

What’s the refund policy?
No refund requests will be granted within 30 days of the event.

Have more questions? Please email us!

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