Doors open at 9:00 AM. Most spectators arrive 30–60 minutes before lifting begins.

Seating is first come, first served, so arriving earlier offers the best seating options.

Spectators may come and go throughout the day with a valid wristband

Parking is available in the main lot behind the building.

Overflow parking is available in the large open field adjacent to the venue.

Please do not park in front of the gym, on the street, or in Camp Ruff-It designated areas, as vehicles may be towed.

The competition follows the standard powerlifting order:

Squat → Bench → Deadlift

Athletes lift in individual flights. All flights must complete all attempts for one lift before the meet moves on to the next lift.

Each flight typically lasts about 45 minutes, with a short break (around 10 minutes) between Squat and Bench, and between Bench and Deadlift.

Exact timing may vary based on flight size and pace.

Powerlifting does not run on exact time slots. Lifters compete in flights (groups of lifters who rotate through attempts together).

• Estimated flights may be shared in advance • Final flight assignments are confirmed and posted the evening before the meet

• The morning-of roster reflects the final schedule

Once flights are posted, you can search for your lifter by name and follow along throughout the day using our Event Day Tools.

Lifters may appear as “Unassigned” until flights are finalized.

This event follows standard powerlifting competition rules.

Common reasons a lift may be turned down include:

• Squat depth not reached

• Bench press commands not followed

• Deadlift not fully locked out or supporting the bar on the thighs

• Downward bar movement during a lift

• Failing to follow required commands (start, press, rack, or down)

After each attempt, judges signal their decision using lights:

• White lights indicate a good lift

• Red lights indicate a no-lift

Each attempt is judged by three officials. A lifter needs at least two white lights for the attempt to count as successful.

Judges’ decisions are final and are made to ensure fairness and athlete safety.

Cheering and encouragement are always welcome during attempts!

Personal photos and videos taken from the spectator area using phones are welcome.

To respect our official event media and athletes, professional photography equipment (including cameras with extended lenses) is not permitted without a media pass.

Media passes are available for those interested in photographing the event professionally. If you’re interested, please contact the meet director in advance for availability, guidelines, and access details. Media passes are limited and must be approved and purchased prior to the event.

Please be respectful of athletes, officials, and restricted areas while filming.

Email inquiries: surgetonewlevels@gmail.com

Select women-owned vendors will be on-site throughout the day.

Food will be available for purchase during the midday break so athletes and spectators can stay on-site.

Yes. Heartbreakers is a family-friendly event. Children 13 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.

Children must remain supervised at all times. Like any live sporting event, music, cheering, and crowd energy can be loud. For babies or sensory-sensitive children, we recommend bringing noise-canceling headphones.

Spectators are welcome to step outside or take breaks as needed throughout the day.