Going the X-tra Mile: X Games Ventura 2024 promises more and better fan experiences | Features

The X Games are back this weekend! June 28-30, Top BMX, motocross and skateboard riders from around the world — representing 16 countries and six of the seven continents — will descend on the Ventura County Fairgrounds for the second year in a row to compete on the half pipes, vert ramps, tracks and other courses engineered specifically for X Games Ventura 2024. According to X Games officials, this year will be bigger and better than 2023.

Lessons learned

When X Games California made its Ventura debut in July 2023, the excitement was off the charts. The choice to bring the action sports competition to the Central Coast proved to be a success for X Games owner MSP Sports Capital as well as the local business community, which catered to the thousands of attendees (more than 20,000 on the second day of the competition alone) that arrived in the area. Between the numerous community events, branding on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, the food and beverages inspired by the games and the competition itself, the X Games were eagerly embraced across the county.

The one hiccup was in fan experience, with the worst complaints on social media referencing poor visibility and little to no seating for general admission ticket holders. This year, organizers are committed to making improvement there and in other areas.

“Last year was our first year at this venue,” said Valerie Ryan, vice president of fan experience and hospitality, who works out of the Denver office. “So we had some learning coming out of this event.”

According to Ryan, one big change for 2024 is the size of the space: The X Games have taken over two lots at the fairgrounds, essentially doubling the footprint.

“That will help a lot with elbow room,” Ryan confirmed.

In addition, officials worked closely with park course designers to ensure that attendees could see more of the action. Describing the park course as “a big bowl,” Ryan explained that one entire side of it will be open for viewing. Naturally, the best general admission viewing areas will still be first come, first serve (“we can’t fit everyone in every area”) but many more people should still be able to actually see the athletes…and not just from a television screen (a common complaint from last year).

General admission tickets will also include access to live music. A total of 10 performers will take to the large, state-of-the-art stage, with Wiz Khalifa and Kaskade headlining the event. In addition, organizers have tried to create a “festival atmosphere,” with art installations, a variety of cultural activities, immersive experiences (such as interactive skate and BMX parks) and more for fans to enjoy.

Other feedback X Games officials received regarding last year’s event concerned the limited food options. So, working closely with OVG360, which handles food for the fairgrounds, Ryan said they were able to curate a wider variety of food vendors. Fans attending this weekend will find more and better choices, including an expanded selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free offerings.

Tiered experiences

Hospitality options have been augmented as well. X Games attendees will have a number of tickets and packages to choose from, with corresponding price points.

General admission tickets, starting at $61, will be offered for each day, and will include limited standing-room viewing of all competitions, the live music available on the day of the ticket, and all festival activities. Bleacher tickets ($91+) can be purchased for either Park or Street competition venues, with seating guaranteed. The Superfan ticket ($153+) allows for bleacher seating in both Park and Street competition venues, plus limited corral viewing for Moto X, Vert and BMX Dirt competitions.

For those wanting the VIP treatment, there are three “premium experiences” to choose from, starting with Club ’95 ($139), with access to a lounge with relaxed seating, private restrooms and corral viewing of the competition courses. A dedicated concierge will be on hand, and Club ’95 will feature its own bar and food vendors, as well as family-friendly interactive elements and snacks.

“It’s a quieter area, and a good place to bring the family,” Ryan explained, likening the setup to “the club area at a baseball game.”

The VIP Lounge Pass is a jump in price — it starts at $469 — but definitely offers a lot of bang for the buck. In addition to comfortable seating and prime viewing from multiple VIP lounges (some of which are climate controlled), these passholders enjoy air-conditioned restrooms, complimentary beer and appetizers, and quality viewing at all concerts.

For a truly exclusive experience, put down $1,199 for the Owner’s Club Pass, which includes luxury accommodations right in the heart of the action; a special cabana right next to the stage from which attendees can enjoy the live entertainment; gourmet bites and beverages, all day long, and all free; and golf cart transportation between parking and the venues. In Ryan’s words: “White glove service.”

All tickets can be purchased for a single day or as a multi-day pass, with some bundles that include discounted pricing.

Added benefits

If attending the games and enjoying the numerous associated activities isn’t enough, there are some spectacular add-on experiences that are available for 2024, many of which allow for up-close interaction with the athletes. All add-ons are available for purchase by those who have three-day premium experience (Club ’95, VIP Lounge, Owner’s Club) passes.

On Thursday, June 27, start the day with a tasty buffet and X Games medalists Paul Rodriguez and Mariah Duran during Breakfast With the Athletes, which will include autograph and photo opportunities and a branded gift. Later that evening, Ryan Sheckler, Paul Rodriguez and Bucky Lasek will attend the Icons Happy Hour, with all-inclusive beer, wine and soft drinks.

Want to experience a professional X Games course first hand? Sign up for a session on the pro street skateboard course. This experience includes 30 minutes of skating on the same professional course designed specifically for X Games Ventura, photographs from the session, an athlete meet and greet with Chris Joslin and a branded gift. Sessions will be scheduled based on course availability.

Not every experience is related to the X Games, however. Ryan said that her team worked closely with Visit Ventura and its president and CEO, Marlyss Auster, to create local add-on excursions that will enable fans to discover the many wonders of the Ventura County coastline. Surf lessons, a guided kayak tour and a wildlife cruise allow attendees to enjoy an action-packed adventure of their own.

“We’ll be working with a lot of local businesses … to let people know what you can do in the community when you’re visiting for the X Games,” Ryan said.

On or off the fairgrounds, action sports fans have a lot to look forward to this summer. Ryan is “thrilled” at all the amenities built into the attendee experience, and hopes they translate to a vastly improved X Games for everyone.

“Our fans spoke and we listened,” said Ryan.

X Games Ventura 2024 takes place Friday-Sunday, June 28-30, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Boulevard, Ventura. For schedule, tickets and more information, visit www.xgames.com/events/x-games-ventura-2024.