For those who have been training in ninja gyms ever since Indy welcomed the NBC primetime television show here in 2016, you’re in luck: the ninjas are back.
Film Indy has lured the producers of “American Ninja Warrior” back to the Circle City to set up shop on Monument Circle next April 23 – May 2, 2018 to film an episode which will premiere during next year’s Season 10 lineup.
Over the course of those ten days, 140 L.A.-based producers will transform Monument Circle into a challenging obstacle course and film set where elite athletes will compete for a spot in the national finals in Las Vegas and a chance at a $1 million cash prize. Ninjas will take on the four-stage course modeled after Japan's famed Mt. Midoriyama, including the tough and treacherous warp wall. And, once again, familiar faces like actor, Matt Iseman, and former professional football player, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, will sit on the sidelines grading the performances of every ninja, from novice to elite.
Ever since “American Ninja Warrior” first came to Indy to film in 2016, Indy skyrocketed as the number one media market for American Ninja Warrior viewership in the country and has remained among the show's top markets since. Ninja gyms have popped up across Central Indiana including Indy Warrior, Hoosier Heights or Train Yard 317. In 2016, we even saw familiar faces like IndyCar’s Tony Kanaan, Josef Newgarden, and Helio Castrovenes attempt to complete the obstacle course, but, as seven million viewers saw last year, their true talent remains behind the wheel and not on Ninja courses as no one successfully reached warp wall domination. I wonder who IndyCar will tag to tackle next year’s newly designed course?
For those that prefer watching Ninjas compete, rather than trying to be one, Film Indy and NBC will be working with local non-profits to fill the seats for the two nights of overnight filming on April 29 and April 30. Tickets for volunteer groups or just fans in the stands are now live! If you would like to be an audience member, submit your info to this link for more information. Anyone who wants the opportunity to compete as an official Ninja will need to contact “American Ninja Warrior” through this website.
In the meantime, we’re running what one might call a V-V-I-P giveaway for two lucky fans to gain a behind the scenes tour of the film set and interact with elite ninjas, as well as, two seats to watch the overnight filming of the show on either of the two nights where the competition is filmed. And, you don’t even have to jump through hoops on this one to be a winner. Fill out the information here for your chance to win.
We’ve given you a fair warning of nearly four months to train. So, do you have what it takes to be America’s next ninja? The warp wall awaits.
