The '15 Winter X Games "could feature alcohol, fireworks and four concerts under a series of proposals" brought to the Pitkin County (Colo.) commissioners on Tuesday, according to Collin Szewczyk of the ASPEN DAILY NEWS. X Games Associate Dir of Event Management Vanessa Anthes said ESPN wants to offer fans more of a "well-rounded cultural experience." ESPN is "hoping to host four concerts on three nights at Buttermilk, with fireworks coming at the conclusion of Saturday’s music." Anthes said that the shows would "likely be over the decibel limit in the county codes, but that the music can be produced in a manner that focuses the sound on the crowd, leaving ambient noise no louder than the snowmobiles going outward." The proposal also "asks that beer and wine be sold at the concert venue, but that sales would be restricted to a two-drink maximum." But County Commissioner Rachel Richards "questioned the need for alcohol," and said that it "goes against the message that ESPN has promoted over the years with the Winter X Games." Anthes said that these requests are "simply to boost the entertainment experience for fans." Anthes: "Music is a part of the culture and lifestyle of action sports. We’re trying to enhance the event and give the best experience to our guests" (ASPENDAILYNEWS.com, 9/17). In Aspen, Michael McLaughlin noted the county commissioners "brought up safety concerns with people drinking at the shows and crossing Highway 82 as well as concert noise that carries from Buttermilk into surrounding communities." Anthes said that the "noise issues could be dealt with by arranging the direction of the stage to minimize any sound impacts away from the venue" (ASPENTIMES.com, 9/17).
