Street skateboarding world championship tour returns to Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The world’s talented skateboarders launching into the air to perform legendary flips and grinds are coming back to Jacksonville.

The event will sport a different look with the same epic tricks and stunts that fans expect.

You’ll get to watch pros like Manny Santiago return.

“We’re excited to be back,” he said.

He’s one of the first Olympic skateboarders in history and represented Puerto Rico at Tokyo 2020.

The SLS World Championship Tour is kicking off right here in the River City on July 16 and July 17. It’s part of a four-stop tour:

2022 SLS CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR:

• SLS Championship Tour: Jacksonville, presented by A SHOC Energy: Saturday, July 16 – Sunday, July 17 (VyStar Memorial Arena)

• SLS Championship Tour: Seattle, presented by Visible: Saturday, August 13 – Sunday, August 14 (Angel of the Winds Arena)

• SLS Championship Tour: Las Vegas: Saturday, October 8 – Sunday, October 9 (UFC Apex)

• SLS Super Crown Championship: Rio: Saturday, November 5 – Sunday, November 6 (Arena Carioca 1)

“There’s no, like set-up skaters,” Santiago said. “It’s like the most elite skateboarding you will ever see.”

Last year, you’ll remember the obstacle course that took over this area in the Riverfront Plaza, but this year, fans will get an indoor experience right here inside the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena.

“Wait till you feel the energy in the arena,” Santiago said.

He explained he actually prefers skating indoors.

“There’s a big change with the weather. if it’s too hot, windy, cold. in the arena it’s the same temperature, quieter,” Santiago pointed out. “In the sense of, there’s no background noise.”

And he can focus on the good kinda noise - coming from the stands.

“You hear someone from really far away screaming your name and that is irreplaceable,” Santiago recalled. “That is what gets us to want to try the tricks that they want to see that we may be scared to try.”

Tickets will go on sale later this week. The event welcomes families and anyone who wants to check out a high-stakes performance!

“We have to do a trick that a skater dreams of doing in their lifetime,” Santiago explained.

“With one try at the moment, in the arena, packed with 20,000 people screaming to do the hardest trick of your life right then and there.”

For more information go to www.streetleague.com or follow Street League Skateboarding on Instagram and Facebook.

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