PORTLAND, Ore. — Skateboarders from across the world are arriving in downtown Portland for the first ever Rockstar Energy Open this weekend. Elite pro skaters and up-and-coming skateboarders will skate along a new course Friday through Sunday. The open is also an opportunity for young skaters to compete against pros.
"It's going to be non-stop action," said Grace Coryell, communications director for the event.
Along with skating, there will also be concerts on Friday and Saturday, as well as vendors. There will also be three local artists painting murals on-site over the weekend. The entire event is free to the public.
Around 80 skateboarders will compete, including some former Olympians who competed in the Paris and Tokyo games. Included in the skaters is Keegan Palmer, who just won his second straight Olympic gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
The organizers chose Portland as host to the inaugural event due to the Rose City's long ties to skateboarding. Portland is home to 12 local skate shops and has more than 20 skate parks across the city.
"We just really wanted to tap into that skate culture," Coryell said.