X Games Not Returning to Los Angeles in 2014

ESPN, creator of the X Games, has chosen four North American cities—Austin, Texas; Chicago; Detroit; and Charlotte, North Carolina—as final candidates to host a summer version of the X Games for three years beginning in 2014.

After hosting the X Games for 10 years, Los Angeles was notably absent from the list of finalists. The existing agreement with Los Angeles-partner AEG ends in 2013.

“The X Games have grown significantly and have been enjoyed by millions of fans over the past 10 years in Los Angeles. Our partners AEG and the city of Los Angeles have been instrumental in our success,” said Scott Guglielmino, ESPN senior vice-president, programming and X Games.

ESPN has planned to announce the new host city later this summer. Sports-industry representatives from Charlotte have already expressed excitement in being a finalist.

“In many respects, Charlotte Motor Speedway was one of the original action sports venues, having hosted world-class NASCAR and NHRA events that have drawn the attention of international audiences for more than 50 years,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway.