The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) is working alongside Mecca Media Entertainment, LLC led by Darryl Mack, CEO, in bidding to be selected host city for ESPN’s X Games summer events beginning in 2017. If selected, Greater Fort Lauderdale would have the opportunity to host this widely popular sports competition and festival through 2018.
The X Games hosts hundreds of athletes from around the world competing in sports such as skateboarding, BMX and Moto X. The summer event would utilize both indoor and outdoor venues for live competitions, as well as unique venues for music, film, art and interactive elements planned.
The four-day event historically attracts an estimated 25,000 spectators per day. Greater Fort Lauderdale can expect a potential economic windfall to the area of $74.1 million and more than $8 million in media exposure from hosting the 2017 Summer X Games.
“We are confident the facilities and infrastructure in Broward County will prove we are clearly a strong contender to hosting the X Games,” said Nicki E. Grossman, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Everyone involved in the bid locally is extremely excited about the opportunity to host an event that showcases the destination’s diverse facilities and sports venues.”
Greater Fort Lauderdale has met initial qualification guidelines for the X Games to submit a bid proposal. ESPN will be evaluating Greater Fort Lauderdale’s capability to host the games including quality of venues in Broward County, as well as the level of services, partnership and support the destination can provide.
“We are working closely with our hospitality and business partners to design a robust bid package that will really standout from other destinations bidding for the event,” said Carol Hudson, vice president, Sports Development, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
If selected, the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB Sports Development team will work closely with ESPN to plan and execute the X Games in Broward County. Those cities that have been short listed will be announced in the coming weeks.