How to Run the CrossFit Open at Your Affiliate

The CrossFit Open isn’t just the largest participatory sporting event in the world; it’s an annual celebration of community, a fitness checkpoint, and a motivator that keeps members returning to class throughout the year. 

As an affiliate owner, you have the opportunity to make the CrossFit Open a memorable time of year for your members. But this looks different for every affiliate. Some choose to make a larger party out of the Open, running in-house competitions or intramural teams. Others choose to host the Open during their regular schedule, programming the workouts during standard class times. 

In this article, we will highlight the different ways you can run the CrossFit Open at your affiliate, from low-lift options to maximum party options.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR MEMBERS?

• Global leaderboard access to track progress year over year.
• Weekly prize opportunities from partners like Rogue, Velites, YETI, Zenni, and more.
• Exclusive perks, including $25 off Velites orders of $60+ and 20% off the CrossFit Online Level 1 Course.
• Prizes for your affiliate, including a $1,000 CrossFit affiliation fee credit, $1,000 Rogue gift card, or two tickets to the 2026 CrossFit Games.

FOUR WAYS TO RUN THE OPEN

Option 1: Run the Open During Regular Classes 

• Complete the Open workout during scheduled classes on Friday or Saturday.
• Utilize full class plans from CrossFit Affiliate Programming (CAP)  to support running heats, navigating equipment, etc.
• Great for maximizing participation with minimal disruption.

Option 2: Designated Open Hours

• Offer set Open time blocks (e.g., Friday evening and Saturday morning).
• Members sign up for assigned heat times, giving you control over flow and execution.

Option 3: Friday Night Lights (In-House Competition)

• Host the Open on Friday evening or Saturday morning with heat sign-ups.
• Build energy with weekly themes and finish with food and drinks (e.g., BBQ).
• Pro tip: Boost participation and friendly competition by creating intramural teams. Name captains, build teams, and have fun. Use the scoring sheet template to manage teams and scores.

Option 4: Intramural Open – Team Competition

• Select team captains. 
• Hold a draft.
• Decide on a scoring matrix such as Open workout scores + additional scoring opportunities (challenges, class attendance, wearing team colors, etc.).
• Run the Open during class or as a Friday Night Lights competition. 
• Host an award ceremony at the end of the Open to crown the winning team. 
• Ideal for gyms that want a community-focused, team-bonding experience.

LEARN MORE

QUICK START GUIDE

1. Post “Register Now” Graphics: Post the ready-to-download graphics (4×5 or 9×16).
2. Send an Email: Use this Open Email Template to send an email to members. Customize for your affiliate by adding details about how you are running it.  
3. Make In-Gym Registration Easy: Print the registration QR code and post it at the whiteboard, front desk, or entrance. 
4. Check out the “Affiliate Owner’s Guide to the CrossFit Open” to help you prepare.

Additional Resources: Countdown Graphics, Open Is Coming Graphics, Affiliate Toolkit Hub