The signature action sports event, ESPN X Games VIII, will return to Philadelphia August 15-19 after a highly successful first year in 2001. Events will again be held at the First Union Complex (inside and around the First Union Center), with additional returning venues of downtown Philadelphia, the Schuylkill River and Woodward Camp.

The X Games showcases 350 of the world's best action sports athletes competing in a variety of sports events for medals and more than $1 million in total prize money. In its first year as X Games host, Philadelphia drew 235,000 spectators during X Games VII, August 17-22, 2001.

Under the terms of a two-year agreement signed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Cty of Philadelphia, Comcast Corporation and Comcast-Spectacor, the ESPN X Games will be held in Philadelphia through 2002.

Competitions in Aggressive In-line Skating, Bicycle Stunt Riding, Moto X, Skateboarding and Speed Climbing will be at the First Union Complex August 15-19. The indoor/outdoor setup, which was an X Games first last year, allows for a variety of events to take place throughout the day and evening. All X Games events are free to the public.

While the primary venue for X Games VIII will be the First Union Complex, there are three competitions taking place at sites around the city and state on previous days. Skateboard Street and Wakeboarding will take place August 10-13 in downtown Philadelphia (exact location TBD) and the Schuylkill River, respectively. Downhill BMX will once again be held at Woodward Camp, the world's premier action sports camp, on August 10 and 11 in Woodward, Pa., near State College.

ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC Sports will combine to televise more than 25 original hours of X Games VIII coverage starting August 17, while ESPN International will distribute the Games worldwide. In addition, EXPN.com, the year-round home for action sports and culture, will offer extensive coverage, including streaming video from the X Games.

ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X Games franchise in 1995. The X Games, Winter X Games, EXPN 2Day, Tony Hawk’s Gigantic Skatepark Tour and EXPN Invitational events are just some of the original action sports programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2.

Highlights from X Games VII in Philadelphia, and detailed information on X Games VIII as it becomes available, can be found on expn.com and philadelphiaxgames.org. Media-only information can be found on espneventmedia.com.

Can't wait till the X Games? Check out some video, photos and stories from last year in Philly.

   Send to a friend  | Submit your photo or video
   Top Rated Photos |  Top Rated Videos |  Most Sent