First-Time Competitor Guide: What to Expect Show Weekend - PART 1
If this is your first bodybuilding competition, it’s completely normal to feel excited, nervous, overwhelmed — or all three at once.
You’ve spent weeks or months preparing your body, practicing poses, dialing in your nutrition, and imagining what show day might feel like. The unknown is usually the hardest part.
At the NPC/IFBB Nashville Fit Show, one of our biggest goals is to remove as much stress and uncertainty as possible so you can walk into show day feeling confident, prepared, and supported.
Here’s what you can expect.
Before You Arrive: Preparation Is Key
The smoother your show day goes, the more you’ll enjoy it — and preparation makes all the difference.
A smooth show weekend starts before you ever arrive in Nashville or at the venue. In the days leading up to the Fit Show, take time to review your schedule, organize your belongings, and make sure the details are confirmed.
This year, instead of holding the traditional athlete meeting on Saturday morning before prejudging, all registered competitors will receive an important email that includes a video that explains the information you need to know for show day.
Please watch the entire video and carefully review the information included, as it will cover show-day procedures, backstage expectations, timing, class organization, and other important reminders. It will be sent out on Monday, August 10 so please be registered before then if at all possible.
Before show day, make sure you:
Reviewed the Show Weekend Schedule & timelines
Reviewed the athlete information video & email
Confirmed your hotel and travel arrangements
Confirmed your tanning, hair, and makeup appointments
Pack earlier than the night before it’s time to travel if possible
Know where Athlete Check-ins is and what time it is
Make sure you have a screenshot of your NPC card easily accessible on your phone
Have a smaller extra bag to use for your “competition day” bag that you can walk over from the hotel with. You can pack this the night before with your suit, heels, jewelry, competitor number, etc).
Being a little organized ahead of time allows you to stay calm once you arrive. But once you have taken care of, don’t obsess over triple checking everything so you don’t drive yourself crazy.
Check out our list of WHAT TO BRING here to prevent extra stress.
Athlete Check-Ins on Friday afternoon
This is basically like raising your hand and saying “present” when the teacher calls your name. You’re essentially confirming that you’re here, you’re in the correct classes, and then receiving the things you’ll need for the competition, as well as all the free gifts and goodies you get as a Fit Show Athlete!
NPC ATHLETESwill check-in between 4:00pm - 6:00pm Central Standard Time. You do not need to stay for the 2 hours. This is the window of time that you can come by and go through the check-in process, which could take anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes depending on if there is a line or not when you arrive. BE EARLY just in case.
At NPC Check-ins, you’ll:
Show proof of your NPC card (screenshot on your phone)
Pick up your competitor button with your number (do NOT lose this)
Make sure your name is spelled correctly or changed if needed
Measure your height to confirm your classes
Confirm your classes again and/or add additional classes
Confirm or turn in your music (Women’s Physique & Fitness divisions ONLY)
Confirm or purchase stage photo & video packages from Gilco
Get all your goodies – competitor shirt, goodie bag, & more!
Take photos (if you want to)
See inside the Auditorium & the stage!
Get any additional show-day instructions or answers to questions.
This process is designed to be efficient and organized. If you’re unsure about anything — ask. There are no “dumb” questions, especially for first-time competitors.
IFBB PRO Athletes will come check-in at their meeting in the Auditorium at 6:30pm CST. The Pro Meeting should take well under an hour so please be on time and seated by 6:30pm.
Whether you’re an NPC athlete or IFBB Pro athlete, if you even think you’ll be running late please contact the promoter, Whitney Wiser Savage, or the NPC TN District Chairman, Allen Sizemore, as soon as you know.
Friday Night Expectations
Liquid Sun Rayz Tanning is also at the venue. Once check-in is complete, Friday evening should be focused on getting settled, completing your tanning appointment, and preparing everything you will need for Saturday.
At your tanning appointment, they will tell you a good timeframe on when to come back for touch-ups Saturday morning. They will also be backstage on show day.
Remember to wear dark, loose-fitting clothing and flip-flops to protect your tan. Avoid tight waistbands, sports bras, or anything else that could rub against your skin or leave marks.
You can review all skin prep and tanning tips on the LSR website HERE
Most of you will feel excited, nervous, or have trouble sleeping—and that is completely normal. One imperfect night of sleep will not undo months of preparation. Get as much rest as you can and trust the work that brought you this far to Nashville already.
Keep your competitor number in a safe, easy-to-find place for in the morning. Pack your “competition day bag” the night before.
Stay tuned for the next part with photos and videos telling you exactly where to go and how to access the venue for your early morning hair, makeup, and tanning touch-up appointments.
Part 2 will be released August 2!
Part 2 will include Show morning, Backstage expectations, Prejudging vs Finals, what family & friends should know, mindset for the weekend, post-show, and more!
