ESPN has announced it plans to hold open bidding for four int'l X Games events and two domestic events beginning in ‘13, and the company has already received expressions of interest from two cities that want to host an int'l X Games. ESPN will conduct a formal bid process to determine the three new X Games host cities, which will join the current events in L.A. (summer), Aspen (winter) and Tignes, France (winter). Cities will be selected in ‘12 for a three-year agreement and will work with ESPN to produce the events. A city in Chile and another in Austria have expressed interest in bidding, and ESPN execs expect more cities to come forward with bids in the coming weeks and months. The idea is to grow the franchise by generating interest in X Games through a structured competition to host the event in the same way the IOC has increased interest in its Summer and Winter Games through open bidding. Winning cities also would cover some of the costs associated with the int'l events, which would help ESPN achieve its goal of elevating the size and stature of int'l X Games to be on par with its largest event, the Summer X Games in L.A. (Tripp Mickle, SportsBusiness Journal). Aspen Ski Co.'s contract to host Winter X expires after next year, and in Colorado, Curtis Wackerle notes the expansion of the franchise could "open up the possibility of another American resort taking over" the event. However, ESPN Senior VP/Programming & Global X Scott Guglielmino said, "Our focus is on trying to extend with Aspen." SkiCo VP/Events John Rigney said, "We're as intent as ever at keeping X Games in Aspen. I think (the announcement) reinforces our commitment" (ASPEN DAILY NEWS, 5/18).
EVENT'S FOUNDATION NOT CHANGING: Guglielmino said the six total events "won't deviate from the core in terms of progression, top athletes, and pulling out the biggest tricks." Guglielmino: "What we are going to do specifically is build around and embellish the cultural elements." ESPN.com's Matt Higgins reported that every event "may feature subtle differences, from scoring to sports," and the "festival environment surrounding the competition will be tailored to reflect the culture and fashion of that particular region." Guglielmino indicated that all six events "will be treated equally from a competition, content, programming and marketing standpoint" (ESPN.com, 5/17). In L.A., Baxter Holmes reports it is "yet to be decided which of the new events will be winter or summer events." X Games officials indicated that it is "possible new action sports events could be added if the location allows for it; for example, a surfing event could be a possibility for an X Games held in Australia." However, each event "is set to be comparable in size to ones held in L.A. and Aspen." ESPN VP/Content Strategy & Global X Ron Semiao: "Nothing will shrink. In fact, you may see some things enhanced" (L.A. TIMES, 5/18).
BRANCHING OUT INTO THE WORLD: Skateboarder Tony Hawk said he has heard "of cities already coming in for bids because they would love to see this type of event there." Hawk: "In terms of knowing where our sports are, where they're popular, where they're growing, it's more likely Australia, Brazil, and definitely Europe. I would love to see it in some place like China. ... I would love to see that seed planted so that we could get more participants." Hawk also said he did not agree with the idea that ESPN is "taking over our sports." Hawk: "There were competitions in our sports long before ESPN got involved. ESPN didn't necessarily change the format of how we do it, they just brought it to a bigger audience" (ESPNFRONTROW.com, 5/17).
