X Games begin at the Utah State Fairpark

SALT LAKE CITY — It’s a big day today at the Utah State Fairpark. It’s the home of this year’s X Games, being played for the first time in Utah.

World-class athletes, like skateboarders and BMX riders, are all here competing in the games’ 30th anniversary. For the first time, Utahns get to see it in person.

“We’ve never been to Salt Lake before in our 30-year history — it’s the first time ever here,” said Jeremy Bloom, X Games CEO.

Salt Lake City is the center of attention in the extreme sports world this weekend. Some of the biggest athletes from around the globe are converging on the Beehive State, and Bloom said the city has rolled out the red carpet for the big event.

“You’ve treated us like the Super Bowl coming to town, from the mayor’s office to the police and the fire department,” Bloom said.

It’s no secret to locals, but as one sports commentator points out, Utah is the perfect backdrop for a major event like this.

“Of course, action sports and Salt Lake City go hand in hand,” said Selema Masekela, a sports commentator.

“This is one of the hotbeds of action sports culture — skateboarding… as well as motocross, snowboarding, and skiing – Salt Lake City is just the perfect place, perfect venue,” Masekela said.

X Games is not only highlighting some of the best up-and-coming athletes out there, but is bringing one of the most iconic skateboarding legends ever. Tony Hawk will be in town, along with music guests Sublime and Deadmau5, and with big names like those, the events are expected to draw some big crowds.

“We’ve sold over 30,000 tickets, so the excitement is at an all-time high. We expect more than 10,000 fans per day,” Bloom said.

If you want to check out any of the games, they’re running Friday through Sunday at the Fairpark. Tickets to events and concerts are still available through the X Games website.