Ventura to host the second consecutive Summer X Games, showcasing Ventura as a premier destination for action sports
For Immediate Release:
Ventura, Calif. (June 10, 2024) — This summer, X Games Ventura 2024 Presented by SONIC, taking place June 28-30 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, will once again serve as a significant economic and tourism driver for not only the local economy but for the state of California as a whole, benefitting local businesses and elevating the state as a destination hotspot for sporting events and competitions alike.
This is the second time in a row X Games has landed in Ventura, leading the recent charge of international sporting events and competitions taking place in the Golden State. FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles in 2026 and 2028, respectively. The opportunity to showcase California as the ultimate destination for outdoor sports will attract out-of-state and international visitation. Last year, travel spending in the state reached an all-time high of $150.4 billion, surpassing the record $144.9 billion spent in 2019.
“For the second consecutive year, Ventura’s vibrant community will be showcased on the global stage as the home of the X Games,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “California, a state of darers and innovators, is the perfect backdrop for the X Games, where testing boundaries and achieving the extraordinary are celebrated.”
“California has a long history of being a hub for action sporting events and competitions — it’s amazing to add Ventura to the story,” said Marlyss Auster, President & CEO of Visit Ventura. “Our small beach town shines brightly on the world stage thanks to our local community and partners that have rolled out the red carpet for all the fans, athletes, and staff that will get to experience Ventura this summer. We can’t wait to show the world once again what our slice on the California coast can do!”
Last year, X Games California 2023 had substantial economic impact on the county with approximately $6.4 million in spending. Media impacts were significant as well — broadcast, digital, and print coverage of Ventura’s sun-soaked coast resulted in over $50 million in media value. It is estimated that the event drew nearly 17,000 non-resident attendees over the three-day event.
In addition, X Games athletes and staff are from all over the world. X Games Ventura 2024 will see athletes from 12 states outside of California and 20 countries outside the United States. X Games is streamed globally on YouTube as well as nationally on ABC and ESPN to millions of viewers.
“Tourism & Hospitality are a key economic sector for a vibrant economy in Ventura County and I am proud to report the efforts of our industry have continued to deliver positive impacts for our community,” said Brian Tucker, President & CEO of Ventura County Coast. “Regional demand drivers such as the X Games are a major reason why travel spending in Ventura County reached $1.87 billion in 2023, a 2.2% YoY increase surpassing the pre-pandemic 2019 record. Our industry not only supports local businesses and creates jobs but helps make Ventura County a more dynamic place to live, work, and play.”
The Ventura community is gearing up for another successful summer this year, offering even more ways for fans and visitors to shop, dine, and support local businesses.
Local events leading up to the competition weekend like a community clean up hosted in partnership with Ventura Land Trust on Monday, June 24, the Ventura Roller Disco —a fun and free for all ages community event under a disco ball— on Wednesday, June 26, and the Ventura Harbor Village Waterfront Wednesday X Games celebration also on Wednesday will encourage visitors to patronize local businesses across the city. A full schedule of local community events leading up to X Games Ventura 2024 can be found here.
Partnerships between Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink, Ventura County Transportation Commission, Visit Ventura, Ventura County Coast, the City of Ventura, and X Games have made getting to the X Games easy and eco-friendly this year. Encouraging fans to travel green with a range of accessible and affordable transportation options poses an opportunity for even more fans to visit Ventura and celebrate the X Games.
“The huge fan response to X Games returning to California was a testament to the immense draw of Ventura and California as an action sports event destination,” said Rich Bigge, Vice President of Live Events at X Games. “The setup in California is prime for hosting X Games and we cannot wait to return for year two.”
READ OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE HERE
