X Games to remain in LA through 2009.

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The X Games have found a longtime home in Southern California. ESPN announced Wednesday that a five-year agreement was reached to keep the action sports competition in Los Angeles through 2009. The summer event was previously moved every two years in an effort to attract new fans. ESPN executive Ron Semiao said touring was no longer needed, and placing the X Games in the nation's second-largest media market would allow for increased exposure and stability. Southern California is the birthplace of many X Games events, and many of the top athletes live in the region. "Home cookin' that's basically what it comes down to," said street skateboarder Eric Koston, a Los Angeles native and two-time X Games gold medalist. "Everybody's pretty much based in Southern California in skateboarding." X Games 11 will be held Aug. 4-7 in downtown Los Angeles, Carson and Long Beach, primarily at venues controlled by Anschutz Entertainment Group, which partnered with ESPN to keep the competition in the region. Athletes will compete in BMX, motocross, skateboard, surfing and wakeboard events. In-line skating has been moved from a competition into a demonstration event, officials said.