One of St. Pete’s stars is about to turn 30, with Vertical Ventures hitting its milestone 30th anniversary this June (and 10th anniversary in St. Pete). The local favorite has become much more than just a celebrated climbing gym – it’s truly become a community hub that brings people together in the name of movement and joy.
To celebrate the three-decade mark, Vertical Ventures is hosting a “Verty 30” bash on Sunday, June 8, opening its doors to the public all day long. Included in the party are some truly fantastic deals and sales that make it easy (and cheap) to get back into climbing or to take your first adventure on the wall.
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In addition to steep discounts, there will be climbing challenges, giveaways, and a nostalgic look at how the gym (and the sport) have evolved over the years. Festivities take place from 10 am – 9 pm, with the 6-9 pm window reserved for members only. All ages and skill levels are welcome, including first-timers.
Steep discounts on incredible climbing
As promised, Vertical Ventures is delivering some fantastic deals on climbing. All day on Sunday, guests can climb for $10, discounted Intro to Ropes classes, 10-visit punch passes for just $100, and 10% off gear during their anniversary sale.
Climbing at Vertical Ventures is truly one of our favorite activities in town, and this anniversary bash is the perfect reason to try it out if you haven’t before. In fact, new climbers can actually take advantage of the special pricing for a full week. The $10 Intro to Ropes class is a perfect gateway to climbing—it’s a $40 savings and also unlocks a two-week membership that includes yoga and fitness classes, unlimited climbing with gear, a guest pass, and more. Just be sure to reserve ahead to lock in a spot for the week of June 8–15.
And for those who are already a part of the VV fam, don’t miss the Member Party (6–9 pm on Sunday) featuring games, raffles, snacks, music, and community vibes. All members get swag, and those with 10+ years of membership will receive special recognition.
“This celebration is part throwback, part tribute to the community that’s made us who we are,” says Kelly Jackson, co-owner of Vertical Ventures. “We’re honoring our past, celebrating the present, and getting people stoked about the future of climbing in St. Pete. Whether you’re a climber or just curious, this space is for you.”
Vertical Ventures is a community pillar in St. Pete
Since opening in 2015 at 116 18th Street South, Vertical Ventures has become a cornerstone of St. Pete, helping locals reach new heights—both literally and figuratively. While the facility is renowned for its top-notch indoor climbing gym, its contributions to the community and the city’s growth over the past decade make it a true hidden gem.
Beyond the echoes of “on belay!” throughout the gym, Vertical Ventures offers an impressive range of features that extend far beyond climbing. Their “off the wall” training facility area is one of the best-kept secrets in town, equipped with machines, treadmills, free weights, kettlebells, rowers, assault bikes, and more. For climbers looking to level up their skills, the climbing-specific training equipment is second to none. Plus, drop-ins are welcome—no membership required.
Fitness enthusiasts can also take advantage of group strength training classes and well all-levels yoga sessions offered four times a week. These classes are free for members, but here’s a pro tip: a single yoga class ticket includes a full day of access to the climbing gym. It’s the ultimate combo of stretching, strengthening, and scaling, and we highly recommend giving it a try.
Vertical Ventures is a Tampa Bay institution
As the St. Pete location approaches its 10th anniversary, Vertical Ventures is also celebrating 30 years of climbing history in Tampa Bay. The company began in 1996, founded by the legendary Phil Yost in Tampa. A decade later, longtime climbers Hal and Christian took over, remodeling the gym themselves while preserving its fun-driven spirit. Their updates transformed the facility into a family-friendly space, elevating both the atmosphere and the offerings. Today, Kelly Jackson serves as Managing Partner, continuing the tradition of leadership and innovation.
In 2015, Vertical Ventures expanded with the opening of the St. Pete gym, a full-service climbing facility roughly four times the size of the Tampa location. This massive space allowed the team to fulfill their vision, introducing lead climbing, fitness classes, group activities, community outreach, and private event hosting—all while creating a welcoming environment for climbers of all levels.
Today, Vertical Ventures remains a shining example of the community spirit that defines St. Pete. While the city evolves, this locally owned business stays true to its mission: to “create transformative experiences, inspire personal growth, cultivate friendships, and build a community for all through rock climbing.”
Learn more about Vertical Ventures at verticalventures.com, and stay connected by following them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
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