ESPN Increasing Live Coverage Of Winter X Games To 24 Hours

By Tripp Mickle, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal

ESPN will increase its television coverage of the Winter X Games by more than nine hours this year. The network decided to increase coverage January 28-31 because ratings have been strong for the event and the Vancouver Olympics should attract the interest of average winter sports enthusiasts. ESPN Senior VP and X Games Managing Dir Rick Alessandri said, "We love Winter X. It continues to perform well and winter action sports will be a real focus for us this winter season." ESPN will air 24 hours of live programming from the event. The 14th edition of Winter X Games will feature two new events -- Skiing SuperPipe High Air and Snowmobile Knock Out. Skiing SuperPipe High Air will feature six skiers competing in a 30-minute jam format for highest air. Snowmobile Knock Out will feature six athletes competing to see who can travel the farthest distance from a take off ramp to landing.