casting for 64 athletes from 16 u.s. colleges began in september 2014. competitors were selected based on their gpa and athletic performance. filming commenced in spring 2015 in orlando, florida, at rock on adventures ranch alongside the battlefrog obstacle race series central florida festival. acclaimed sportscaster ron pitts and two-time american ninja warrior finalist evan dollard hosted the three-day single-elimination competition with sideline reporters, emily reppert from fox sports southwest and shawn ramirez, two-time crossfit winner.