Erie (Opening Nov. 6!)

Calling all Erie artists... this is your chance to make a mark on your community!

• Submissions will be accepted through EOD Sunday, October 8.

• All designs will be presented for the community to vote for the #1 design.

• Online voting will occur from Oct. 9 - 12.

• The winner will receive a year membership for two!

• The winner will work with ASCEND's design team to solidify the official print, including the color of the shirt.

• The designs don't have to include the ASCEND logo, as the final print could place the logo within the design OR elsewhere on the shirt. Let's keep it flexy.

• Questions? Email [email protected].

We are VERY EXCITED to announce that ASCEND ERIE is officially under construction and are set to open on Nov. 6! Just like at all other ASCEND Climbing facilities, all ASCEND members have global access to any ASCEND facility. Punch Passes may also be used at all locations, as well as gift cards!

Here are the details you crave - 25,000 SF (bottom two floors of a 5-story ASCEND + residential building), bouldering terrain, up to 52’ tall rope walls (lead, top-rope, auto-belay), yoga classes and workshops, fitness and training areas, youth programming, slacklines, retail and concessions, group spaces, community events - the whole lot! In partnership with the EDDC, we are located in the heart of downtown Erie at 5th and State, meaning close proximity to all of the Erie-based universities: Gannon, Mercyhurst, and Penn State Behrend. This location is part of an extensive downtown revitalization project that the Erie community is incredibly excited for. Additionally, there had been an independent group, ClimbERIE, working on opening a gym for many years now. As a prominent Erie climbing community voice, they were stoked to learn of our plans and are eager to assist in ASCEND's efforts. We are grateful to have the ClimbERIE team on our side, keeping the climbers of Erie in the forefront of everything we do. This is not just another gym to add to a list, this will be a place for a whole community of people, old and young, new and experienced, to gather, train, coexist, and to call home. Watch this video for more on ASCEND Erie.

Here is a letter explaining more from ClimbERIE's founder - and now ASCEND's Erie Ambassador - David Bonner:

Open letter to the Erie climbing Community,

First of all, we want to thank you all for your support in our efforts to bring Erie its first ever indoor climbing facility. We have seen an overwhelming response from many and it has kept us motivated throughout these difficult times. Not only has the pandemic slowed our progress, but lack of available commercial property has not helped. Our community has been through it all and remains supportive and positive. We are excited for the next phase. Our partnership with ASCEND Climbing has allowed us to finally move forward and build the climbing gym that Erie truly deserves.

Common values and vision have evolved into this collaboration between ClimbERIE and ASCEND and ASCEND Erie will be the product. Our focus is on creating a community. Not just of climbers, but all residents of the Erie area. ASCEND Erie will be a place that this great city will be proud of, as a business, as a landmark, and as a champion for the city itself. Our name may not be ClimbERIE, but the values and dedication to the community remain. That spirit that has encouraged and motivated us through the last three years will always remain at the heart of ASCEND Erie and we look forward to serving you for years to come. Thank you!

Respectfully,
ClimbERIE/ASCEND Erie