Wednesday, April 18

Slam City Jam Preview

By Press Release

Celebrating the elements of skateboarding

It's that time of year again! Vancouver is gearing up to host the 8th annual North American Skateboard Championships better known as Slam City Jam. This World Cup sanctioned event attracts hundreds of pro skaters and members of the skateboard industry as well as over 20,000 spectators for a weekend of insane skating and crazy partying. Like skaters themselves, SCJ is always striving to progress and improve. Based on this philosophy and the input that we've received from the skaters involved, we've made some changes and additions to this year's event.

EVENT SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 4 --- 1pm-4pm Ultimate BBQ and Bowl Session, Hastings Skate park
Friday, May 4 --- 2pm-9:30pm Street Qualifying, Pro Jam Sessions
Saturday, May 5 ---- 11am-9:30pm Street Semi-Finals, Vert Qualifying, Invitational Am Jam
Sunday, May 6 --- 11am-8:30pm Girls' Contest, Street and Vert Finals, Best Tricks

Check out what's happening at SCJ 2001

Hastings Skate park
Vancouver's reputation as an international skate capital got a major boost with the opening of a brand new Marseilles-inspired bowl style skate park. It's located just steps from the SCJ venue, and Ultimate will host their annual BBQ there on Thursday May 3 from 1-4pm. Pro Bowl Sessions with prizing will be going off before the venue doors open throughout the weekend. Strap it on!

More practice
The pros get an extra day of skating Thursday to get their lines dialed.

Pro Jam Sessions
On Friday's qualifying day, pros will have the option of skating in non-judged, jam sessions, designed to be less stressful without timed runs or money on the line. The sessions are ideal for new pros testing the waters or others that just don't get into the whole judging thing.

Invitational Am Jam
When the pros are done killing the course on Saturday, 20 amateurs selected by industry representatives will get a chance to step up and show what they've got. SCJ is committed to the progression of skateboarding, and these guys are definitely pushing it.

More of what's happening at SCJ 2001

North American Skateboard Championships
$45,000+ and World Cup points are at stake as skaters do battle in Pro Street, Vert, and Girls divisions. The championships have always had an international feel and this year even more so, with skaters from Japan, Korea, Brazil and Australia entering in force.

Expanded Best Trick
The always-popular best trick contest is back, but this year prizes will be awarded for three different obstacles on street. Vert will have best lip trick and best air.

New Street Course and Vert Ramp
As usual, SCJ is building a new street course and ramp to reflect the state of skating in 2001.

NBC Telecast on May 19, 3:30pm
For the first time ever, SCJ and skateboarding are going prime time on a major television network. This is a great chance for skating to be presented and respected on its own terms.

Sound Stage
SCJ's bringing in 10+ bands to rock the house and fire up the rabid skate rats, with headliners Jurassic 5 and Suicidal Tendencies! DJ's will keep the music pumpin' between bands.

Skate Lounge & Art Gallery
Where the skaters and fans take a break from the action and chill while watching the latest skate vids, playing some Playstation games, or viewing the work of celebrated artists in the skate community. This year top pro skater and prize-winning artist Ed Templeton and world famous photographer Grant Brittain will present exhibits. Also in the works is a heart-felt tribute to late local skater Major Dave Bower.

Live web cast
SCJ will be bringing the excitement of the event to those not lucky enough to attend through its expanded and improved live web cast. Visit our website at www.slamcityjam.com for details.

HOTEL: RENAISSANCE HARBOURSIDE - 1-800-905-8582
Located at 1133 W. Hastings, downtown Vancouver near Stanley Park.
A block of rooms held under Slam City Jam or SCJ, specify smoking or non-smoking.
Rate $129.00 Cdn, dbl/dbl or queen. Any problems with the Central Reservations number above, please call the hotel direct at 604-691-2737, and ask for Richard.