This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Are you Xcited?
Are you ready for the X Games X? Well, it doesn't matter, because it's here! For the second straight year, the X Games are taking place at STAPLES Center, making LA the new Extreme Sports capital of the world.
It's hard to believe the X Games are already 10 years old, but it looks like they're here to stay. Last year's TV ratings were about 150-percent higher than the X Games four years ago, and skateboarding and BMX (which is now an Olympic Sport) have become mainstream. It appears that X Games fans and participants aren't growing out of it.
There are some people who claim the X Games are the future of sports, but we're not so sure. Xtreme Sports still lack an invested audience like fans of professional baseball or football teams. More likely, Xtreme Sports will just slowly find their way into mainstream sports, and skateboarding will have their own circuit like NASCAR and golf that people occassionally pay attention to. Maybe skateboarding will even find its way into the Olympics like snowboard halfpipe already has. Or maybe ESPN will just start a fifth network called EXPN.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
