ESPN Plans Final X Games Visits

Officials at ESPN will be conducting final site visits this week for the four finalists in the running to host the X Games from 2014–2016. ESPN announced earlier this year that it would leave its longtime home in Los Angeles after this year’s event, naming Detroit, Chicago, Austin, Texas, and Charlotte, North Carolina, as finalists for the next location. A decision is expected later this month.

Organizers of the Austin bid have planned a public rally for June 5 in support of its bid at the Texas State Capitol. The Austin event will also feature live music, sports demonstrations, mechanical bull rides, dodge ball and other activities. The Austin event would be held at the Circuit of the Americas’ racetrack if the bid is chosen.

On May 28, Detroit held a similar rally to boost its bid during ESPN’s site visit. The downtown street party featured music from Detroit’s Ryan Richards and the Beastie Boys’ Mix Master Mike, food trucks, a live graffiti competition, as well as skateboarding and bicycle demonstrations.