The Road to X Games will go through Boise again next year.
During Saturday morning’s opening ceremonies for the Road to X Games: Boise Qualifier, ESPN and the City of Boise announced that an agreement had been reached for Rhodes Skate Park to host the event through 2019.
"What it says is they love Boise first and foremost, and love Rhodes Skate Park as well. But it shows that they have confidence in Boise to be able to pull off a world-class event," said Doug Holloway, Boise Parks and Recreation director.
Boise first hosted Road to X Games in June 2017. X Games director of event development Ryan McGuinness said the fan response that first year was “overwhelming.”
“The event and team at Boise Parks and Recreation provides an incredible fan experience, and we look forward to building on that this year and in 2019,” McGuinness said.
More than 10,000 fans attended the Boise X Games event in 2017. City officials estimate this year's crowd was larger by a couple thousand.
The Road to X Games: Boise Qualifier expanded this year, to include Harley-Davidson Hooligan Racing at CenturyLink Arena, in addition to the skateboarding and BMX events at Rhodes Skate Park, where more than 125 athletes were invited to compete for invitations to X Games Minneapolis.
Saturday's finals began with women's skateboarding. Of the 12 competitors, four qualified for the X Games in Minneapolis: 13-year-old Sabre Norris of Australia, Sakura Yosozumi of Japan, Yndiara Asp of Brazil, and Nicole Hause of Minneapolis.
In men's skateboarding, Tristan Rennie earned the top score. Trey Wood, Clay Kreiner, Heimana Reynolds, Chris Russell, and Oskar Rozenberg also qualified for X Games Minneapolis.
The following BMX Park competitors punched their tickets to Minneapolis: Mykel Larrin, Jose Torres, Brandon Loupos, Nick Bruce, Dennis Enarson, and Colton Walker.
Boise Park Qualifier recap coverage will be shown June 23 on ABC, as part of the "World of X Games" content series.
The exact dates for the 2019 Road to X Games: Boise Qualifier have not been announced, but a lot of people are looking forward to it.
"It is just such a positive environment for Boise. Everything is just cool," said John Mayton. "Events like this just give Boise a great life and a spotlight on it. You can't beat it."
“The X Games’ return is an exciting endorsement of what Boise has to offer,” said Boise Mayor David Bieter. “The dynamic nature of our city, especially our active outdoor culture, is a fantastic match for this event. We look forward to our city again being in the spotlight and creating an even better atmosphere for these exciting X Games athletes and spectators.”
More information about Road to X Games is available here.
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