9/11 Tower Challenge returns to Glendale stadium 25 years after attacks

Once again, thousands of Arizonans will gather, this time at State Farm Stadium in Glendale beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, for the annual 9/11 Tower Challenge.

The event is a tribute to the first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and to those who continue to serve. It will mark 25 years since the attacks.

Participants will climb 2,071 steps, the same number found in each of the Twin Towers, in remembrance of the 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers and eight paramedics who died in the line of duty at the World Trade Center. The public is welcome to join hundreds of firefighters, police and military, as well as veteran climbers and families in the climb. 

Photos of the fallen first responders will line the stairs, giving climbers a chance to pause on the sacrifice each one made in the service of others.

As part of this year’s event, the 100 Club is searching for a local singer to perform the National Anthem before the climb begins.

Arizona residents of all ages are invited to enter the contest by submitting a video or link of themselves singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” to marisha@100club.org. The winner will be announced Aug. 21.