The 2026 Mr. Olympia will see a venue shake-up for the finals. On Jan. 26, 2026, Dan Solomon and the Olympia Instagram account confirmed they are bringing back the ‘arena’ experience for athletes and fans. New champions will be crowned at the Orleans Arena.
“After spending six years in a theater environment, the decision to crown this year’s champions at the nearby Orleans Arena allows us to fully scale our presentation while amplifying the intensity and prestige of the fitness industry’s premier event.”
Details surrounding the ‘Super Bowl of Bodybuilding’ are trickling in. In late Nov, Dan Solomon announced that the 2026 Mr. Olympia would make its return to a familiar home: the Palms Casino Resort, which will serve as the event’s host hotel.
In 2025, the history-making show saw Derek Lunsford reclaim the title after losing it in 2024. He hoisted the Sandow trophy above his head in the packed Resorts World Theatre. However, the scenery won’t be the only change. Instead of late Oct, the 2026 Mr. Olympia is slated to take place Sept. 24-27.
2026 Mr. Olympia Announces Arena Comeback
In the post, the Olympia Instagram account spoke on the weekend’s expanded setup:
“OLYMPIA TO BRING BACK THE “ARENA” EXPERIENCE
Last month, The Palms Las Vegas was named “host hotel” for the 2026 Olympia Weekend. As part of a broader expansion, Olympia organizers have just completed a deal clearing the way to host its two main stage productions in an Arena, creating expanded access to bodybuilding’s biggest nights.”
According to Jake Wood, the Orleans Arena offers significant benefits to fans and athletes, allowing for a greater viewing experience.
“Olympia Owner Jake Wood adds, “Returning to the Orleans Arena creates meaningful benefits for fans and athletes. The expanded seating capacity opens the door to welcoming more attendees, while creating greater flexibility for an elevated production experience, VIP Suites, and a wider range of ticket prices, including more affordable seating options.
Presented by NewTech and brought to you by Integralmedica, the 2026 Olympia will take place the last weekend of September. The Expo remains at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Ticketing info is coming soon. For more info, including qualifier lists and event details, visit MrOlympia.com,” the statement read.
The Mr. Olympia has faced past criticisms for their backstage conditions at events. In 2022, Open contender James Hollingshead encountered these issues first-hand. He admitted that the backstage was poorly lit, cold, and too crowded, which can make pumping up or staying calm even more difficult.
The 2026 Mr. Olympia promises to be a historic contest, and the production team is focused on presenting a more immersive experience for fans. Prejudging will remain in the Las Vegas Convention Center, with finals concluding in the Orleans Arena.
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