ESPN, Minneapolis Agree To Two-Year Extension As X Games Host City

Heading into the second year as a host city for the summer version of X Games, ESPN, Sports Minneapolis and U.S. Bank Stadium have reached a two-year extension agreement to host X Games Minneapolis through 2020.

“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,” says Tim Reed, vice president, X Games. “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.”

“Minneapolis is tailor-made to host ESPN’s X Games,” says Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “With a zip line over the Mississippi and Levi LaVallee’s backflip on a snowmobile in the heart of downtown Minneapolis this winter, we’ve shown the world we know how to live on the edge and what we can do as a world-class host for major sporting events. That’s why it only makes sense that our city will be the home of the X Games through 2020.”

“Following the success of the ESPN X Games in Minneapolis in 2017, we’re excited to announce the X Games will stay in Minneapolis through 2020,” says Executive Director of Sports Minneapolis and Meet Minneapolis President and CEO Melvin Tennant. “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.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome the X Games back to Minnesota this summer and to have the opportunity to host them again in 2019 and 2020,” says Michael Vekich, Chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority. “This international competition showcases the versatility of U.S. Bank Stadium and puts Minnesota in a global spotlight with extremely talented athletes from around the world.”

“U.S. Bank Stadium shines with the multi-day, high-energy event that is the X Games,” says Patrick Talty, SMG General Manager at U.S. Bank Stadium. “We look forward to hosting this event year over year, raising the standard of service excellence, and creating memorable experiences for all of our guests and athletes.”