ESPN Selects Los Angeles to Host X Games IX and X; STAPLES Center Primary Venue In August 2003 & 2004 For World's Premier Action Sports Event.

Business Editors

BRISTOL, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 2002

ESPN, Inc. has selected Los Angeles to host the next two X Games, the original and definitive multi-day action sports competition, starting with the ninth annual event, August 14 - 18, 2003.

The announcement was made today by ESPN President George Bodenheimer and AEG President and CEO Timothy J. Leiweke. AEG -- owner and operator of STAPLES Center -- which will serve as the primary venue for the X Games, represented the City of Los Angeles in reaching the agreement. The X Games showcases more than 300 of the world's best action sports athletes competing in a variety of sports categories for medals and prize money.

Under the terms of the two-year agreement, competitions in Bike Stunt, Moto X, Skateboard, Aggressive In-line Skate and Speed Climb will be held inside and around STAPLES Center (Aug. 14-18). The Moto X Freestyle event will be held in the Los Angeles Coliseum at night under the lights (Aug. 15 or 16), while Wakeboard, Skateboard Street and Downhill BMX will take place the week prior at locations to be determined.

"Southern California is the action sports hub and the X Games will reach new heights in the City of Los Angeles," Bodenheimer said. "After collaborating with AEG on a successful ESPY awards earlier this year, we are confident that our combined promotional reach will strengthen the growing significance of the X Games as an elite sports championship event. The world-class STAPLES Center and other neighboring venues will set the stage for a spectacular experience for our athletes, fans, sponsors and affiliates over the next two years."

Leiweke added, "This is a major coup for Los Angeles. Not only are the X Games a phenomenal event that receives worldwide distribution and interest, it creates a $50 million annual impact to Los Angeles. We are grateful to our friends and partners at ESPN and acknowledge the leadership of Mayor Hahn and the business community of Los Angeles for making this a reality."

Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn said, "We fought hard to let ESPN know that Los Angeles wanted to host the X Games, and we are thrilled that they have chosen Los Angeles to host not one but two X Games -- including the 10th Anniversary Games. Los Angeles has hosted two Olympic Games and championships in virtually every major sport, and is the epicenter for action sports. We are eager to join with ESPN to build on the already tremendous success of the X Games."

"We are proud to partner with ESPN to bring the X Games to Los Angeles," said Los Angeles City Councilmember Jan Perry. "Not only will this tremendous event focus worldwide attention on our downtown, it will generate over 10,000 room nights for our hotels and $50 million for our economy."

Editors Note: To download action photos and/or a logo, go to http://media.espn.com/MediaZone/xgames/