The 2019 X Games Started With A Bang (And A 540 Flair Cork 900)

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For the third year ESPN brought the X Games to US Bank Stadium and fans were excited to see their favorite and new events as well as new features. Speaking of new features, Wendy’s is having the coolest week ever for a fast food chain with Har Mar Superstar performing in a Wendy’s on Tuesday and the fist walk/skate through opening as part of X Fest.

Before heading to the competition at the Armory we checked out practice and eliminations at US Bank Stadium. Both Skaters and Moto X Quarter Pipe athletes were going hard at it.

On my way to the Armory I stopped by X Fest to check out the Special Olympics Unified BMX event that paired athletes from both events for a fun open BMX session.

The vert competitions had been moved indoors this year and took advantage of the high ceilings in the armory to pair with the first night of music. BMX was first and watching the riders tricks was amazing. Since I am clueless, I judged the tricks based on the cheers of fans and volume for Vince Byron’s  540 Flair Cork 900 was deafening.

Many of the riders parked their bikes in the among fans  for SWMRS set. The Oakland punk band’s sound was a perfect fit for the exuberant energy in the crowd. There was plenty of space for a running circle that formed but somehow did not collapse into a mosh pit.

The Skateboard Vert competition had a new jam format that saw rider go non stop for 15 minutes in 30 second segments with scores adjusted in real time. This made the competition very fast paced and in what seemed only a few minutes (but and impressive amounts of tricks) Australia’s Jarryd McNeil was crowned the winner.

If you are not familiar with Chevy Metal you may recognize Taylor Hawkins other little band. The Foo Fighters (he’s the drummer there). Their rock sound closed out the first night of the X Games with athletes and fans mingling. 

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