SLC ONE OF THREE WORLDWIDE SITES
Brice Wallace
Business Journal
More than 100 extreme sports participants will compete in Salt Lake City this summer during the X Games, with the possibility of attracting extremely large crowds.
The X Games recently announced that the three-day event will take place June 27-29 as the Utah State Fairpark and Event Center and Salt Lake County are partnering to host the event, which will feature Moto X, BMX and skateboarding competitions.
The Salt Lake City event will be one of three summer X Games this year. Osaka, Japan, will have X Games in June, while Sacramento, California, will host the event in August.
Started by ESPN, the first event of its type, then called the Extreme Games, took place in June 1995 in Rhode Island and Vermont and the weeklong event attracted 198,000 spectators. The next year, attendance reached about 200,000. San Francisco saw 268,390 people attend the event over 10 days in 1999. The X Games in Ventura, California, attracted 52,000 in 2024 over a weekend.
“Salt Lake City has a deep-rooted passion for action sports, and we’re thrilled to bring the X Games experience here for the first time,” said Jeremy Bloom, CEO of X Games. “With its incredible outdoor culture, energetic fan base, and strong support from the Utah State Fairpark and Visit Salt Lake, this city is the perfect stage for our athletes to push their limits and put on an unforgettable show.”
The athletes will compete for over $1 million in prize money during the 30th anniversary of the X Games. The event typically features fan experiences and musical performances. Details about the event and tickets will be announced later.
“Our capital city is stoked to host the X Games for the first time ever this summer as they enter their 30th anniversary of world-class sporting events,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Salt Lakers are fans, athletes, and some of them even Olympians, making this a natural fit. We look forward to welcoming competitors and fans to a place that lives and breathes the spirit of competition and community.”
“As mayor of Salt Lake County, I am thrilled to welcome the X Games to our dynamic community this summer,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “Salt Lake County has long been a hub for outdoor adventure and action sports, with our world-class venues and vibrant culture drawing athletes and fans from around the globe. Hosting the X Games is a testament to our reputation as a premier destination for events that inspire, energize and unite communities. We can’t wait to showcase our unique spirit to the world and deliver an unforgettable experience for all.”
Jagger Eaton, a five-time X Games and two-time Olympic medalist skateboarder, said he is “stoked” for the upcoming X Games. “Competing at X Games since I was 11,” he said, “I am excited to be back competing at X Games this year after securing a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.”