Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium has retained hosting rights to the summer X Games until 2020 through an agreement with ESPN, which organises the action sports event.
The stadium, which serves as the home of NFL American football team, hosted the 2017 event and is currently preparing to stage this year’s Games, which run from July 19-22.
Last year’s event saw almost 110,000 fans turn out at U.S. Bank Stadium and the news represents another coup for the venue, which recently hosted NFL’s Super Bowl showpiece.
“Our first year in Minneapolis proved what an incredible fan experience X Games at U.S. Bank Stadium can offer and we are excited to build on that success over the next three years,” Tim Reed, vice-president of the X Games, said. “Minneapolis and U.S. Bank Stadium have quickly established themselves as a destination for the world’s top sport and entertainment brands and we look forward to building off of a terrific first year in Minneapolis.”
Executive director of Sports Minneapolis and Meet Minneapolis president and chief executive, Melvin Tennant, said: “With a four-day attendance of nearly 110,000, the ESPN X Games gave fans a chance to enjoy some of the most thrilling athletes in the world last year, along with great concerts at an affordable price. Add to that the national and international coverage; it’s clear the X Games are a big win for Minneapolis.”
Speaking to the Star Tribune newspaper, Tennant added: “While we certainly loved the fact the (2018) Super Bowl is here we’re not certain when we’ll get it back. We’ll certainly look to get another Final Four in the future, but I think a major event with the international reputation of the X Games for four years in the community will be a wonderful win.”
Austin in Texas hosted the summer X Games from 2014 to 2016, with the event having been held in a number of other US cities over the years.
Image: Darb02
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