Anyone who grew up watching Tony Hawke invent moves on the half-pipe can appreciate how he, and a select group of others, took an extreme sport and turned it into a full-blown industry. Years later Red Bull realized that there was still a lot of growth potential in this niche market, and has taken it to even greater heights – literally. Sports that were once mostly a pastime for rambunctious teens in Southern California has evolved into a multi-billion dollar business with a global reach.
Here are a few highlights from the Skateboard Park Final X Games!
Twenty years ago ESPN went out on a limb when it launched the first ever X Games. It was a move that has paid off big time for the international sports network. The event was a way to flesh out the schedule of the new ESPN2 channel, so in a way the X Games has been a big business generator from its conception. Senior Director of the X Games, Tim Reed, says that the network expects more than 410 million households across 215 countries will tune in to watch the events in Austin.
As the 2nd Annual X Games Austin draws near there are sure to be tens of thousands of young fans pouring into the city. But there are also quite a few top execs that are looking to do business while they experience the action up close.
Where the VIPs Will Be During the 2015 X Games
For any CEO with a business targeted at youth, sports or street style the X Games is a priceless source of marketing research. But it’s also an opportunity to interact with a variety of other execs in one of the world’s most unique venues. You just have to know where to find the other VIPs that are in town for the 21st X Games.
Alamo Drafthouse X Games Bash & Benefit by Dos Equis
When: Wednesday, June 3rd – 5:30pm
Where: Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
Let the games begin days before the first wheel hits the pavement. Alamo Drafthouse sets the stage for the premier of the film Angry Sky. Hang out with X Games athletes and other VIPs while watching the documentary that tells the story of Nick Piantanida, the unlikely man that helped launch the first civilian space program and aimed to make the highest parachute jump in history more than 50 years ago.
There will also be a reception at Highball hosted by Dos Equis, Deep Eddy Vodka, Monster Energy and others. In addition to drinks there will be tarot reading and a chance to win VIP passes to the X Games. Proceeds from the event will go to The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
VIP at COTA
The Circuit of the Americas racetrack is a playground for some of the world’s biggest wheelers and dealers during Formula 1 events. Royal Executive Transportation is no stranger to the excitement of race day at COTA. We’re the transportation service of choice for many VIPs and A-listers that want to arrive in style and comfort but prefer to skip the helicopter ride into COTA during Formula 1.
The VIP Experience
During the X Games COTA hosts the main events that will draw celebrity spectators along with all of the headlining athletes. But don’t expect them to be spending most of their time under the sun in the general viewing areas. VIP passes reserve access to:
- A climate-controlled paddock suite – an upgraded viewing area with food and alcoholic refreshments.
- Four VIP viewing areas.
- Exclusive meet and greets with the athletes each day.
- Premium seating for the live music events.
- Special reserved restrooms.
Harley-Davidson Flat Track Racing
Lots of kids will be downtown watching the Moto X Step-up Final on Friday night, but most of the VIPs will be at COTA watching racers torch the track while demoing Harley-Davidson’s newest premium motorcycles. Like last year, the company is also expected to host analysts, insiders and investors during the event.
Economists estimate that Austin area businesses will benefit to the tune of $50 million each year that the city hosts the X Games. If your business is expanding in the tourism, sports, production, entertainment or media industry now is the time to invite investors to Austin. Premium black car service from Royal Executive Transportation can make each trip to an X Games event a noteworthy experience that sells business partners on the idea of working in Austin.
Contact our road show coordinators to discuss how we can personalize our transportation service to your exact needs!