Kayla Nelson
Staff Writer
The X Games are coming to Idaho State University’s Holt Arena with an event called Ramp Riot held April 17 and 18, sponsored by Phil Meador Toyota.
The event is expected to draw large crowds inside of the dome both days.
“It is hard to convey the scale of how large it actually is. The X Games are basically our Olympics,” said BMX gold medalist Colton Satterfield. “We have freestyle motocross and we have [Nate Adams,] a record holder for the most X Games gold medals. Literally the biggest names in action sports are going to be there.”
The X Games have visited every major city in the U.S. and Satterfield, originally from Pocatello, felt it was time for his hometown to have a turn.
“If you have never seen it before, seeing it in person is ridiculously mind blowing. I’ve seen it a ton of times throughout my life and it still blows my mind every time,” said Satterfield. “Even just subjectively being around [the X Games,] it is something that will blow your mind.”
Phil Meador Toyota is providing Ramp Riot with $10,000. Some of the Ramp Riot athletes will attend Phil Meador Toyota’s Grand Opening at its new location at 1855 Flandro Drive April 11.
The event will be held at 11 a.m. to attract more people to Ramp Riot as well as support the dealership. The event is free to the public and Satterfield will be performing.
“We chose to sponsor because we thought it was a great opportunity to help out [Satterfield,] who grew up here in Pocatello,” said Joe Leegaard of Phil Meador Toyota. “We are also excited that something this major is coming to Pocatello.”
Ramp Riot will be co-announced by Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham, action sports superstar and motivational speaker.
The first day will feature Freestyle Motocross, FMX, Best Tricks Finals, BMX Triples Finals, Big Air Jam, Riot Jam, world record attempts and FMX Best Whip Finals.
The second day will include FMX Run Finals, BMX Big Air Finals, BMX Triples Jam, Riot Jam, World Record Attempts, FMX Trick N Style Finals and of course Ramp Riot champions crowned.
According to Satterfield, action sports are growing faster than everything else right now and companies such as Red Bull, GoPro and Monster that are marketed in action sports all have higher profit than conventional sport sponsors.
“I feel action sports are on a straight upward path to the future of everything right now,” said Satterfield. “Less and less kids are wanting to play conventional sports. More and more kids are wanting to be skateboarders, BMXers or dirt bikers.”
“It is growing really fast,” he added.
Satterfield noted the loss of the “four day rodeo and other events” in the Pocatello area and said the goal of Ramp Riot is to demonstrate that Pocatello is worthy of hosting large-scale events and that if these events are brought to Pocatello, they will be supported.
Basic tickets are $15 for one day or $27 for two, mid-level tickets are $21 for one day or $37 for two and VIP tickets are $28 for one day or $49 for two. There is also a two-day Riot Pass for $80, which will allow guests to meet athletes, get a free T-shirt, autographs, a poster and a tour of the event setup. Family packs are available for $69 and $89. All tickets can be purchased online through the Office of Events at isu.edu/tickets.
“The vibe we are trying to put on there is to help people realize their potential and that their goals and dreams are not too big for them and that they can achieve them,” said Satterfield.
