Nine International Cities On 2013 X Games Host Shortlist

ESPN has listed the nine cities in contention for hosting the last three events outside the USA in the expanded X Games calendar of 2013.

Brazil appears very likely to secure at least one of the three expansion slots as Rio de Janeiro, medicine Sao Paulo and Foz do Iguacu were all announced on the shortlist.

The other contenders are Barcelona (Spain), herbal Lisbon (Portugal), Munich (Germany), Quintana Roo (Mexico), Santiago (Chile) and Whistler (Canada).

Executive vice-president and managing director of ESPN International, Russell Wolff, stated, “Action sports is unique in its participatory nature and passionate support around the world, and X Games represents the very best action sports competition, lifestyle and content.

“We’re thrilled with the response from cities around the world, and the strong interest in bringing X Games to a diverse collection of great cities. Our growth around the world has been driven by local relevance and in building a passionate connection between fans, our brand and our partners. The X Games is a key element of that growth into the future.”

There were initial approaches from more than 40 entities from 21 countries.

It was originally announced in May 2011 that the broadcaster would stage six X Games events around the world from 2013 in the hope of transforming the franchise into the largest action sports competition on the planet.

The three new hosts will appear alongside Los Angeles, Aspen, Colorado and Tignes, France on the X Games calendar.

ESPN, the creator of the X Games, will assess each of the finalists over the next two months, and, in April, three cities will be selected to host the X Games from 2013-15.