Union Square Park

Pro Snowboarders Hit The Rails At The Union Square Street Sessions

IMMEDIATE
Friday, February 8, 2008
No. 6
http://www.nyc.gov/parks

Today, Parks & Recreation, the New York City Sports Commission and Aura360 hosted New York City’s second major pro snowboarding competition at the Union Square Street Sessions, presented by Jeep. The world’s top professional riders, including last year’s champion Eddie Wall, Scotty Lago, Pat Moore and Lukas Magoon competed head-to-head for prize money totaling $30,000.

At this free event, pro snowboarding men and women showed off their skills on a customized urban rail fabricated at Mountain Creek Resort’s Jib Lab. New Yorkers watched Union Square Park become an extreme sports block party.

“New York City attracts the best of everything and we brought some of the best professional snowboarders to compete in the Union Square Street Sessions for a second year in a row,” Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe said. “This winter, we’re bringing the mountain to Manhattan with an urban snowboarding jam session in Union Square Park on Thursday and a winter wonderland in Central Park this Saturday.”

“The Union Square Street Sessions presented by Jeep will transform one of the City’s most storied parks into a winter wonderland,” Sports Commissioner Ken Podziba said. “The juxtaposition of a 40-foot snowboarding rail surrounded by skyscrapers in the heart of New York City creates a truly unique experience for fans and riders alike. This year’s event winner will be presented with the first ever Mayor’s Cup NYC Snowboarding Trophy.”

“We are thrilled to be able to bring this fantastic event back to Union Square. New York City lends a level of excitement that cannot be reproduced anywhere in the world,” said Dan Gacetta, of Aura360.

Union Square Street Sessions is the professional element and pre-event to Parks and Recreation’s Central Park Winter Jam on Saturday, February 9, 2008. Winter Jam features a pro/amateur rail jam and a free winter carnival with a two-story high, 80-foot long snow flume for sledding, live performances from Kat DeLuna and The White Tie Affair, a warming hut and fresh treats from winter greenmarkets.

This event is sponsored by Jeep, Aura360, Red Bull, Oakley, Burton, Sunday River Resort, and Mountain Creek Resort.

- 30 -