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When American Ninja Warrior took over Cleveland May 8 and 9, the show brought something extra special with it: The first ever FanFest!
The free event gave fans the chance to hang out with some famous Ninjas, run an inflatable course and say hi to Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbajabiamila and Kristine Leahy.
Drew Drechsel, who went farther than any other Ninja in season eight, hung out all day signing autographs, talking with fans and basically having a great time.
Check out some highlights from the two days!
Drew was joined by Ninjas like Ethan Swanson, Carl Fantauzzo and Joe Moravsky. They stunned the crowd with their non-stop acrobatics.
Seriously, THIS is what you're missing of you're not at #NBCFanFest! pic.twitter.com/ahTxduecFG
— Ninja Warrior Nation (@anwnation) May 8, 2017
NBC’s summer shows and upcoming specials had interactive sets at FanFest, giving fans a chance to get up close and personal with their favorites.
Red Nose Day
World of Dance
.@RealLifeNinja_ is flipping out for #WorldOfDance at #NBCFanFest! @anwnation pic.twitter.com/S7um0D9k8d
— Ninja Warrior (@ninjawarrior) May 9, 2017
America’s Got Talent
Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge
Check out this mountain of #AmericanNinjaWarrior elites at #NBCFanFest! pic.twitter.com/9bQw1qUkm2
— Ninja Warrior Nation (@anwnation) May 8, 2017
Little Big Shots
We're training some new ninjas today at #NBCFanFest. Come join us!
Nai-post ni American Ninja Warrior Nation noong Martes, Mayo 9, 2017
Drew made time for every person that wanted to meet him. All the fans have unique stories from the day.
This little Ninja showed up in a homemade Real Life Ninja shirt and almost couldn’t handle meeting his hero in person!
Day 1 of #nbcfanfest was incredible! Thank you to the awesome fans like Ben who joined us! pic.twitter.com/5fS3UssflO
— Ninja Warrior Nation (@anwnation) May 8, 2017
Drew looked after ever fan he met.
Safety first! No untied shoelaces at #NBCFanFest. pic.twitter.com/uJnTdSsxEz
— Ninja Warrior Nation (@anwnation) May 8, 2017
The look on this little Ninja’s face is priceless.
Jonathan gave @RealLifeNinja_ some hair style tips at #NBCFanFest pic.twitter.com/9LR4ckUdFk
— Ninja Warrior Nation (@anwnation) May 8, 2017
Of course, Drew had to make time to keep up with his fitness.
#ninjastrong pic.twitter.com/374MWxcfg7
— Ninja Warrior Nation (@anwnation) May 9, 2017
Even this puppy was excited to meet the American Ninja Warrior!
Ninja Warrior fans also got treated to some other exciting encounters. Natalie Duran raced Cameron Mathison from Entertainment Tonight on the inflatable course.
These kids had an incredible experience when Matt Iseman gave them a tour of the set.
.@mattiseman hosted some amazing @ASASOhio kids on the #AmericanNinjaWarrior set and at #NBCFanFest in Cleveland yesterday! pic.twitter.com/CXGgIB3GN0
— Ninja Warrior (@ninjawarrior) May 10, 2017
FanFest took place the same day as a new episode of Team Ninja Warrior. When competing Ninjas Barclay Stockett and Maggi Thorne spotted each other, they couldn’t hold back!
#TeamNinjaWarrior will be FIERCE tonight! Who's watching with us? pic.twitter.com/eo9rPauBTp
— Ninja Warrior Nation (@anwnation) May 9, 2017
Even fans at home could get involved. Drew went live on Facebook to give every one a chance to see the event.
Live at NBC FanFestHanging with Drew Drechsel at #NBCFanFest!
Posted by American Ninja Warrior Nation on Monday, May 8, 2017
The next FanFest will take place in Denver, CO, May 23 and 24. If you’re in the area, we HIGHLY recommend stopping by! FanFest is the ultimate party for American Ninja Warrior fanatics.