CLEVELAND, OHIO – Gravity Games officials announced today that the world’s leading action sports competition will return to Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor, behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, September 10-14, 2003.
‘Cleveland set the stage for an incredible event in 2002,’ said Gravity Games General Manager Wade Martin. ‘The support of the fans, city officials, media and local businesses made the 2002 Gravity Games an amazing success. The Cleveland fans played a dynamic role for the competitions. They are not only savvy and knowledgeable about the sports but they are enthusiastic and supportive of the athletes. We hope this fervor continues as we celebrate our fifth anniversary of the event.’
David Gilbert, President, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission added, ‘n its first year, the Gravity Games became one of the largest events on the Cleveland calendar, with a $25 million economic impact, 162,000 in attendance and a national audience on NBC TV. We anticipate this year’s Games will roll into Cleveland bolder and bigger, and know we can count on another enthusiastic hometown welcome for these athletes. This is one of the most significant events that our community can host.’
The Gravity Games features more than 200 of the world’s best professional action sports athletes competing in Aggressive In-Line Skating, Bike, Freestyle Motocross, Skateboarding, and Wakeboarding events. In 2002 over 160,000 spectators invaded the Cleveland waterfront to witness phenomenal athleticism and competition. Gravity Games fans listened to live music from national bands, demo-ed bike and skateboard courses and met their favorite athletes.
‘leveland was a dynamic backdrop for last year’s Gravity Games,’said Cleveland Mayor Jane L. Campbell. ‘he athletes’ exhibition of breathtaking skill combined with our City’s vitality created an exciting event, and we look forward to another great partnership in 2003.’
The Gravity Games is the highest-rated, action sports television event in the United States. In 2002, Gravity Games reached over 12 million households with more than 12.5 hours of coverage. For 2003, the NBC broadcast will begin with live coverage on September 14th followed by additional shows on September 21st, 28th, October 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th. Check local listings for times.
‘uyahoga County is proud to once again host NBC’s Gravity Games for another successful run. Exciting, fun, on-the-edge competition—completely awesome entertainment,’ said Commissioner Jimmy Dimora, President, Board of Cuyahoga County Commissioners. ‘Welcome back, Gravity Games – we can’t wait for the action to begin!’
The Gravity Games is jointly owned through a strategic partnership between PRIMEDIA (NYSE: PRM), the leading targeted media company, Octagon, the global sports marketing arm of The Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) and NBC Sports.
For more information on the Gravity Games log on to www.gravitygames.com.
For more details contact:
Shea Sweeney, 203-532-6322, (cell) 203-918-0868; shea.sweeney@octagon.com
Christine Brown, 203-352-6321, (cell) 203-722-5430; christine.brown@octagon.com