Rock-climbing options in Lubbock just went to another level with the highly-anticipated opening of inSPIRE ROCK this weekend.
In November 2024, a crowd watched ground break on what would become the only indoor climbing gym in Lubbock. Nearly 11 months later, inSPIRE ROCK will open its doors at 6703 Yonkers Ave. on Saturday.
What is inSPIRE ROCK climbing gym and what does it offer?
inSPIRE ROCK initially opened in Spring, Texas, then added a second in Cypress. In 2023, the McCasland family reached out to inSPIRE’s owners, the Robins and Birkenfeld families, about adding a location in Lubbock.
The McCaslands did this because, when Grant McCasland accepted the head coach position for Texas Tech Men’s Basketball, CeCe McCasland had one question: Does Lubbock have a gym exclusively dedicated to rock-climbing? It did not at the time, so they took matters into their own hands.
“It’s been two-and-a-half years since the Robins family and our family connected and talked about it,” said CeCe McCasland, owner with her husband, Grant McCasland. “It’s finally here. This is a dream come true.”
Along with the climbing surfaces, which will have holds moved every so often, inSPIRE ROCK has two walls that can be customized through an app. The two can go up to a 70-degree angle and have hundreds of climbing courses to try.
“The thrill of climbing up something and accomplishing it is unbelievably satisfying,” McCasland said. “There’s something exhilarating about accomplishing something maybe you never have before, and then you get stronger, you get braver.”
There is a yoga classroom and a weight room space. Community is another draw to inSPIRE ROCK, McCasland said. People can sit down on the padded spaces or benches between climbs, and during the preview night, McCasland saw the community in action.
“Somebody’s on the wall, and everyone’s going ‘You got this. Come on, you got this,'” McCasland recalled from the event. “Just cheering each other on. The community is really special here.”
There is also a Pro Shop, where people can buy:
Does inSPIRE ROCK Lubbock offer classes, birthday parties, or group events?
Booking for school trips and events, including birthday parties and overnight lock-ins, will be available soon. Birthday parties for up to 15 children can be booked in two hour blocks. Parties include:
“We do everything, to make sure the moms and dads are able to enjoy it as much as the kids,” McCasland said. “My daughter competes at the national level, and there are people on her team who were introduced to climbing through a friend’s party.”
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If there is a big enough interest in introductory climbing classes or home-school classes, they are willing to add those.
“I feel like once we hear from people on what they’re wanting, because it’s new to a lot of Lubbock people, then we’ll put something together and post it and offer it,” McCasland said. “Whatever the need is, we’ll create it.”
When is inSPIRE ROCK Lubbock open and what are the hours?
The opening day is Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. After this, the hours will be:
It will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and will have shortened hours around the holidays.
The location will have a grand opening on Nov. 1 with food trucks, face-painting, games, and special climbing sessions in the morning and evening.
What are membership, day pass, rental costs for inSPIRE ROCK Lubbock?
Day passes will allow full access for the entire day. Prices are:
People can buy 10-Punch Passes, meaning they can have 10 visits. This is $195 for ages 11 years old and older, or $160 for ages 4-10 years old.
Monthly passes require a one-time $59 enrollment fee. After that, prices are:
People who buy a Founding Members membership prior to opening day pay a $5 enrollment fee instead of the $59. This can be bought at inspirerock.com/lubbock/founding-member. Founding members get additional perks, including guest passes and branded swag.
Prepaid memberships do not have enrollment fees. The costs and periods for these are:
Shoes are available to rent during visits for $6.
People can keep up with inSPIRE ROCK Lubbock on Facebook and Instagram. People can also call 806-589-4363 or email info@inspirerock.com. The website, inspirerock.com/lubbock-coming-soon, will be fully operational by Oct. 16 at the latest.
Alana Edgin writes about business for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip? Contact her via email at aedgin@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock Indoor climbing gym inSPIRE ROCK opens soon, here’s what to know
Reporting by Alana Edgin, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
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