After 11 years the X Games bid adieu to Los Angeles and head to the Lone Star State. Austin will play host to the 2014 X Games which kick off next week — a city that beat out several others who were attempting to host the extreme sporting event.
As amazing as Austin is, some may feel the X Games need to explorer some other cities around the country to host the Super Bowl of extreme sports. Crave has you covered.
Here is a list of cities that would be fantastic potential hosts for the X Games.
Joshua Caudill is a writer for CraveOnline Sports, a surfing enthusiast, an unhealthy sports fanatic, and an expert on all things Patrick Swayze. You can follow him on Twitter @JoshuaCaudill85 or "like"CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
Photo Credit: Getty
Top X Games Cities
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Chicago
Chi-town was the runner-up to Austin in the battle to host the X Games. Tough break but no reason why they can't be in-line after Austin. The city as the backdrop would be ideal and it's a world class sports city filled with rabid fans. Plus, could you imagine the promos the 'Da Bears' guys could do on skateboards?
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Denver
Legalized cannabis, tourists, and extreme sports in The Mile High City? Yeah, that's goldmine.
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Detroit
Detroit needs something positive to happen for its down-ridden city and the economic boost from the X Games would help. Give them their shot. Tony Hawk campaigned for the city to host. Plus, have you seen Robocop? There's nothing to worry about, X Games fans.
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Jacksonville
It's only fitting that the home of the historical Kona Skatepark host the X Games.
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Long Beach
Southern California is home of the board sports and the motocross sports. Long Beach would be a great fit and an improved change from the L.A. scene but close enough in distance to capture the target demographic for the X Games. You have surfing, many beaches, tons of skate parks nearby; you're also 20 minutes from Disneyland and an endless amount of tourist attractions and restaurants. Check out how many fans flock to the city to attend the Long Beach Grand Prix. It's a no-brainer.
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Miami
The X Games should consider taking their talents to South Beach. Miami has hosted a lot of Super Bowls so they know how to do it 'big.' Plus, it has great weather, the best night life in the south, and has the fans to support the event.
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New Orleans
The Big Easy is no stranger to hosting large events. Every single year it seems they are either hosting an NCAA Final Four, Wrestlemania, or a Super Bowl. There isn't another city out there who has a better resume when it comes to successfully hosting big sporting events. Why not go with the sure thing and let New Orleans host the extreme sports world's pride and joy?
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Philadelphia
Philadelphia hosted the X Games in 2001 and 2002 and didn't disappoint. Who can forget X Games Eight in Philly when Mat Hoffman landed the no handed 900-degree spin on a BMX? Bring it back and see if someone is willing to do any crazy tricks off the 'Rocky steps.'
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San Antonio
San Antonio is another city Texas can offer to be a suitable host. In 2003, San Antonio hosted the Global Championships in the Alamodome. Imagine The River Walk as the backdrop for the games? The city has so much culture and a love for sports. If you're looking at possible destinations for the games, the second biggest city in Texas might be something you want to tackle.
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San Diego
Beautiful weather, beaches, Sea World, and it's only a couple of hours from the L.A. scene where the X Games had grown accustomed. Ron Burgundy would approve of this choice and isn't that all that matters?
