Pontiac gym opens
October 17, 1994
After 10 months of building, Pontiac gym opens for public climbing. Innovative wall systems recreate outdoor climbing indoors, with natural formations modeled after great climbs such as Red River Gorge and the New. Pro shop, mezzanine and bouldering caves were added in subsequent years.
Read moreDetroit Rock Climbing Company opens
September 2, 1996
DRCC partners with Planet Rock to develop hold systems. Classic skull holds and dual-texture hangboards form from collaborative designs.
Read moreAmerican Sport Climbing Federation Nationals
June 16, 1997
Pontiac hosts ASCF Nationals, which brought climbers to our walls from around the nation such as Beth Rodden, Chris Sharma, Hans Florine, Katie Brown, David Hume, Steven Hong, Tommy Caldwell… We are honored to have shared the walls with such great climbers.
Read moreAnn Arbor gym opens
February 5, 1999
Ann Arbor location opens for public climbing. Following in the steps of Pontiac, Ann Arbor walls feature formations modeled after popular outdoors climbs. At the time of it’s open, the Ann Arbor gym was the largest indoor climbing facility in the country.
Read moreRed Bull CL!IMB
October 2, 2010
Planet Rock hosts the Red Bull CL!MB event, with ridonkulous climbing competitions such as deep pit free soloing, highline slacklining, dry tooling and dynos. Special guest ice climbing legend Will Gadd.
Read moreCedar Rapids filming
February 11, 2011
Scenes filmed in Ann Arbor location for the American comedy starring Ed Helms & John C. Reilly. Iconic line, “never trust a man in a ponytail” is born.
Read moreNew logo designs
March 16, 2012
New logos introduced to the Planet Rock design family. In addition to the classic meatball, a stacked logo and horizontal logo are used on apparel, communication and branding elements.
Read moreMadison Heights gym opens
July 18, 2014
Madison Heights gym replaces the original location in Pontiac. Rainbow walls add a boost of color and dimension to over 25,000 square feet of wall area. Innovative features include an arch bouldering system, giant lead belly and telephone poles for ice climbing simulation.
Read moreAnn Arbor renovations
January 1, 2018
New updates and renovations to Ann Arbor location. Rope bridge and upper caves are removed, new addition of bouldering room + mushroom feature.
Read moreNorth American Auto Show
January 19, 2018
Planet Rock designs (and installs) 70’ long rope tunnels add excitement and interest to the Ford Ranger booth. Owner Nick Cocciolone is a featured outdoor adventurer for Ford Ranger.
Read moreMadison Heights renovations
September 1, 2018
Madison Heights location finishes the mezzanine, creating even better sights from the heights.
Read more25th Anniversary celebration
August 11, 2019
Planet Rock celebrates 25 years of climbing! We thank the many climbers who have become our family and friends throughout the years.
Read moreGrand Rapids build begins
September 25, 2019
Grand Rapids build begins. Our biggest gym yet, it is almost double the size of Madison Heights location.
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