Monday, December 3

20th Annual U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships

Press Release

The U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships, the most anticipated snowboarding event of the year, will once again be held at Stratton Mountain, Vermont, from March 14-17, 2002. Widely regarded as the pinnacle event of each competitive season, this year's U.S. Open marks the 20th Anniversary of the only truly rider-driven competitive event in snowboarding.

Created by snowboarders, specifically for snowboarders, the annual event draws over 500 male and female athletes representing 15 countries who all vie for top spots in four disciplines — Quarterpipe, Halfpipe, Boardercross, and Junior Halfpipe — and a chunk of the event's $150,000 total cash purse. As a truly "open" event, the U.S. Open welcomes a wide-array of competitors ranging from world-class rippers like Terje Haakonsen (NOR), Natasza Zurek (CAN), and Ross Powers (USA), to the up-and-comers that will one-day rule the sport.

For the second straight year, Stratton's Sunbowl Area will support the entire event, with the riders, spectators, and sponsors all merging to create one of the most exciting snowboarding experiences in the world. More than 25,000 energized spectators flock to Stratton each year to witness the mind-blowing action first-hand, and it's their super-charged enthusiasm that helps make the U.S. Open such a unique event. In addition to awe-inspiring riding, spectators will be treated to music, an interactive sponsor village, pro rider autograph sessions, and post-event parties.

To date, the 2002 U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships see support from Burton Snowboards as Owner/Presenting Sponsor, Right Guard Xtreme Sport as Presenting Sponsor, and SoBe Beverages as Supporting Sponsor. Additional 2002 U.S. Open sponsors TBA.

ESPN will again provide television coverage for this year's event. Four half-hour shows will be produced, generating six hours of programming that will air in prime time slots on both ESPN and ESPN2 throughout the summer and fall of 2002. Additionally, last year's 19th Annual U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships will be broadcast on both ESPN and ESPN2 this fall. To get a taste of the action, please refer to the attached television schedule for broadcast dates and times.

To stay in the know on all pertinent 2002 U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships event information, please frequent the official website located at www.opensnowboarding.com.