DETROIT, MI -- The

campaign to have Detroit host ESPN's X Games

for three years is getting a boost from Dan Gilbert,

according to a Crains report.

The group that's trying to bring the 2014-16 action sports events to Motown has moved from a Midtown apartment into Gilbert's Compuware building and is getting financial and leadership support from the Quicken chairman, according to the report.

"(Gilbert's) involvement makes it all the more serious and realistic," sports media consultant Lee Berke told Crains. "I think Detroit has a real shot."

Detroit was named in January as one of 17 cities in consideration for hosting the X Games, which feature action sports like skateboarding and Motocross.

The choice is expected to be announced Aug. 1.

Bid organizer Kevin Krease estimates that holding the games in Detroit would cost corporate sponsors $9.3 million, and could have an economic impact of up to $170 million.

Other cities in the running to host the 2014-16 X Games, include Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Fort Worth, Long Beach, Minneapolis, Montreal, New Orleans, Pasadena and Philadelphia.

Follow Khalil AlHajal on Twitter @DetroitKhalil or on Facebook at Detroit Khalil. He can be reached at kalhajal@mlive.com or 313-643-0527.

XGames Detroit Teaser from XGamesDetroit on Vimeo.