Do you dream of watching the Olympics live someday? Witnessing the X Games in Minneapolis is the next best thing.

Since its inception in 1995, the X Games has grown to be a world-class competition. Over the years, it has put extreme sports such as skateboarding and BMX (bicycle motocross) on the map.

During the four day event, over 110,000 fans flooded US Bank Stadium to see nearly 200 athletes compete in a variety of disciplines.

Fans of all ages cheered from the stands for their childhood legends and the young rising stars.

Move to Minneapolis

For the men and women in the Midwest who grew up watching skateboarder Tony Hawk and playing his Pro Skater video games, the X Games moving to Minneapolis was a dream come true.

Fellow spectator Josh Rusch from Fridley, Minnesota falls into that category. "I've been a fan for a long time. I'm excited to see Ryan Nyquist," said Fridley. "It's really cool to see an event like this live."

For those who are new to the world of extreme sports, such as myself, the event was just as enjoyable. Not only were the athletic feats impressive, but the overall experience was one I will never forget.

In a press release Sunday night, ESPN declared the event a success: "judging by the remarkable Minnesota hospitality and joyful enthusiasm, the move to the Midwest marks a new era in the storied history of X Games, one that continues next year."

Nine-time BMX Street Gold Medalist Garrett Reynolds echoed ESPN's sentiment in an interview with ESPN following his win: "The hospitality here is on a completely different level than I can even understand. Every single person I meet is just so excited for the X Games to be here in Minneapolis."

The X Games are scheduled to return to US Bank Stadium next year July 19-22.

Organizers embraced Minneapolis, the home of the Minnesota Vikings, with a Viking shipwreck-themed skate park. Skaters jumped up and over ship masts embellished with the X Game logo.

Traditionally, the X Games have been located in warmer states such as California. For the past three years it was held in Austin, Texas.

The competition was fierce among the many cities vying to host the games this summer. Ultimately, Minneapolis won the bid with their new indoor US Bank Stadium.

Organizers and athletes were thrilled to get out of the hot southern sun and into a climate-controlled facility.

Last year, the skateboarding Big Air event was canceled due to 30 mph winds. The risk of athletes being blown off the 80 feet tall, 300 feet long MegaRamp was too high.

Thanks to the accommodating stadium, X Games Minneapolis went off without a hitch.

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View From the Stands

Due to the size and shape of the stadium, there was not a bad seat in the house.

Throughout the days, the crowd flowed from one side of the arena to the other as the different courses were utilized.

The daily general admission of $20 gave spectators a lot of bang for their buck with hours and hours of entertainment.

X Games organizers made the weekend a true spectacle, not just a sporting event.

Music performances from groups such as the Skol Drumline and A Day to Remember were interspersed between the contests. A string of live DJs provided a background of beats to pump up the athletes and the crowd.

The announcers did a great job of introducing the athletes and explaining the goals in each event. A person with no familiarity of extreme sports can attend and have a great time.

The only disappointing part of the experience was the concessions. Prices are high, as is expected. But in the end, the ten dollar hot dog was worth not missing any of the action.

The Athletes

What made the weekend truly memorable were the athletes.

For them, it is another day at the skate park. They just are happy to be there doing what they love. Of course, they'd like to win but that isn't everything.

Falling or crashing is a reality for all of the athletes. As a spectator, your emotions rise and fall as the athletes successfully complete a trick or stumble in the attempt.

The casts on several skateboarders wrists were a reminder of the real cost of the sport.

Yet, it was surprising how many athletes continued to smile even after they fell. They are incredibly humble and easy going individuals. Some would even come and sit with the audience to watch the competitions.

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Notable Moments

Several historic moments occurred this year at the X Games.

Skateboarding living legend Bob Burnquist unexpectedly announced his retirement from the X Games after the big air final. Burnquist, now 40, has competed at every X Games since its inception in 1995.

Throughout his career, Burnquist has earned 30 medals, the most of any competitor. This makes him the Michael Phelps of the X Games.

The crowd went wild when Minnesota native Alec Majerus won silver in the skateboard street final. Majerus belongs to the next generation of skateboarders, following in the footsteps of Tony Hawk and Bob Burnquist.

On Saturday, Brighton Zeucker from Encitas, California broke the record for youngest gold medalist.

Zeucker competed in and won the women's skateboard park final. The day before the competition was her thirteenth birthday. She beat skateboarder Ryan Sheckler's record from 2003.

Skateboarding in The Olympics

In 2020, skateboarding will make its Olympic debut in Tokyo, Japan.

Skateboarding joins other extreme sports such as snowboarding and BMX racing.

The contests will include men's and women's park and street events, with a total of 80 skaters—40 men and 40 women—competing in them.

At times, the validity of skateboarding as a sport has been questioned. Its recent inclusion in the Olympics puts to rest any doubts about its status and gives the sport the respect it deserves.

One point of continued contention between the X Games and other contests such as the Olympics is drug testing. The X Games doesn't drug test its athletes and receives some criticism for it.

Attending the X Games was the highlight of my summer. I will definitely be returning next year. And after that weekend, I am strongly considering purchasing a dirt bike.

If you have an event or story idea that fits into the Sioux Falls dining or entertainment theme, Alexa Giebink can be reached at agiebink@argusleader.com. Follow her on twitter @ArgusAGiebink