Question 1

What are Sportrock's hours?

Accepted Answer

Alexandria:
 
Monday - Friday | 6AM - 11PM
Saturday & Sunday | 9AM - 9PM
 
Sterling:
 
Monday - Friday | 6AM - 10PM
Saturday & Sunday | 9AM - 9PM
 
Rio:

Monday - Friday | 6AM - 11PM
Saturday & Sunday | 8AM - 9PM

Question 2

What are Sportrock's Holiday Hours?

Accepted Answer

For 365 days out of the year, at least one Sportrock facility is open, even during the holidays! We do this to better serve you.

Below are our annual holiday hours by location, so you can plan ahead and maximize your climb time!

4th of July
Alexandria: Early closure at 6 PM
Sterling: 9 AM - 6 PM
Rio: Normal hours

Thanksgiving
Alexandria & Sterling: Closed
Rio: 10 AM - 4 PM

Christmas Eve
Alexandria & Sterling: Early closure at 6 PM
Rio: Normal hours

Christmas
Alexandria & Sterling: Closed
Rio: 10 AM - 4 PM

Boxing Day (Day After Christmas)
Alexandria & Rio: Normal hours
Sterling: Delayed open at 9 AM

New Years Eve
Alexandria & Rio: Early closure at 8 PM
Sterling: Early closure at 6 PM

New Years Day
All Gyms: Delayed open at 9 AM

Question 3

Do I have to be a member to climb at Sportrock?

Accepted Answer

While our memberships come with lots of awesome benefits, you do not need to be a member to climb at Sportrock.
 
We offer Day Passes and Multi-Visit Passes.
 
You can also climb with a member and use one of their Guest Passes!

Question 4

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Check here for site specific information about our facilities.
 
You can find our parking map for Sportrock Alexandria here. 
 
Our Alexandria facility is also only 200 yards east of the Van Dorn Street station (Blue Line) if you’re coming by Metro.

Question 5

I’ve never done this before, can I climb?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have beginner classes and programs for everyone! For more inormation click here.

Question 6

Are you doing lead and top rope belay tests?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are running belay certification tests at our gyms. Learn more about becoming belay certified here.

Question 7

Do you have auto belays?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our Rio, Sterling, and  Alexandria all have several auto belay options. 
 
You must first go through an orientation with staff before using the auto belays. Please check in at the front desk and a staff member will walk you through the process.

Active adult supervision is required for any child under the age of 14. Supervising adult must complete and pass Sportrock’s Auto Belay orientation and test prior to usage. The minimum age to use the Auto Belays is 5. The minimum weight to use the Auto Belays is 25 lbs. The maximum weight to use the Auto Belays is 310 lbs.

Question 8

My kids want to climb, what can they do?

Accepted Answer

They can climb our walls instead of yours! We have a variety of youth programs for ages 4 and up. Check our classes page to see what we currently have available!
 
We also offer private instruction for kids and adults of any age.

Question 9

What are those shorter walls? I don’t see any ropes.

Accepted Answer

That’s bouldering, a form of climbing on shorter walls with no ropes. While we recommend down climbing, the bouldering area is padded to ensure a safe landing in the event of a fall.
 
While accessible to beginners, we recommend that you seek guidance from our staff before you hop on the wall for the first time.

Question 10

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Apparel:
 
Like any athletic activity, freedom of movement is most important followed by dressing for the temperature. Although our facility is climate controlled, it can be a little warm on summer days and sometimes cool in winter. Longer shorts or pants tend to be more comfortable under a harness, rather than the ultra-short running variety.
 
Shoes:
 
For your first time on the wall, rental shoes are highly recommended. Our fee for rental shoes is listed on our Rates and Rentals page. You can also wear a closed-toe athletic shoe. We do not allow climbers to climb barefoot at our facilities.

Question 11

Can I wear my street shoes/running shoes/flip flops/Vibram FiveFingers/ninja shoes?

Accepted Answer

For your first time on the wall, a closed-toe athletic shoe will be a good bet. To avoid injury we strongly recommend against using “toe shoes,” as these do not offer the support or protection needed to climb. If you want to try an actual climbing shoe, we have those available for rent as well – try them, you just might be hooked.
 
While rental shoes are not required, they are highly recommended. Our fee for rental shoes is listen on our Rates and Rentals page. If you would like to climb in your street or approach shoes, Sportrock can sanitize the bottom of your shoes, just ask our staff.

Question 12

Do you offer outdoor classes?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Between spring and fall, we’re climbing outdoors almost every weekend. If you want to learn more about our Outdoor Programming take a look here.
 
We also offer private guiding options with AMGA certified guides.

Question 13

Can I be in the facility if I am a non-member parent of a child who is a member?

Accepted Answer

Yes, spectators are allowed in Sportrock facilities and do not require purchase of a Day Pass.

Question 14

Can I use rentals at your facilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have all necessary equipment available to rent should you need it.

Question 15

Do you sell Gift Cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes!

You can purchase physical gift cards in store, we also sell gift cards online here!

Gift cards can only be used in-store or over the phone.

FAQs

If you can't find the answer you are looking for, reach us by email.

Looking for Sportrock's Cancellation Policies? Click the "Cancellation Policies" tab below!