With heavy hearts, we need to share an important update regarding our Eastside location. After nearly 30 years of operation, our Eastside gym will be closing its doors on January 1st, 2026. The Downtown location will continue operations, and will become the home for Boulders moving forward. 

Prices have been rising, and an uncertain economy has led to reduced revenue and traffic. In addition to this, we’ve been carrying significant debts for many years that have hindered our ability to cover our basic current expenses, despite our efforts to reduce operational overhead. Our team has gotten smaller, we’ve been operating more efficiently, and we’ve reduced spending across the board. While these changes helped, the weight of historical debt and lagging revenue proved too much, and it became apparent earlier this week that we had to make a swift and significant change. In the face of either closing both of our locations, or moving forward with one and continuing to support the community that we love, the choice was clear. 

Our hearts and memories will always be deeply invested with the Eastside, but there were a number of significant factors that led to the decision of its ultimate closure. Thirty years of wear and tear is apparent on the aging infrastructure, repairs are constant and expensive, and the space lacks the accessibility by bus line or walking that our downtown location possesses. Our landlord Downtown has offered us flexible rent, which better positions us for long-term success and financial stability, and the projections of a Downtown-only business model show that we can achieve and maintain profitability, which is critical for the future of Boulders.

We’re heartbroken. Countless people climbed their first route at Boulders East, and countless others made friendships that will last a lifetime. Many of our staff members grew up at the Eastside location, and we know many climbers have made that space their home over the last three decades. Our community is more than just a building. Though the doors are closing, the heart of Boulders lives in the people who have made this space so special. We are hopeful that Madison climbers can weather this substantial change together, and can continue to flourish at our Downtown gym.

Operating a single location will be a big change, but we’re optimistic we’ll be able to honor our commitment to the Madison climbing community with renewed vigor by consolidating our resources and focus on our Downtown facility. Youth and adult programming will both continue to operate with as little impact as possible. Yoga, events, and groups will remain staples of our work. We’re planning on adding additional training and workout space, and are actively working on solutions to make parking easier, and ultimately free during our peak hours. As this change begins to improve our cashflow, we’ll be better stocked, with better amenities, and better positioned to provide you with an excellent experience. 

We know this is difficult news to receive, and we thank you for your understanding and your trust that we’ll continue to serve Madison’s climbing community passionately. We hope that you’ll join us in this next step in Boulders’ history and continue offering your support through this challenging shift. We’ll carry the lessons we learned, and the connections we made, into a new chapter in a new year. 

There will be more information and answers to come. Feel free to email us at info@bouldersgym.com with feedback, questions, frustrations, or a kind memory.

Max Beavan, CEO/President, and the Boulders Management Team