COVID Making Big Changes With X Games in Aspen Beginning Friday
This year was going to be bigger than the rest, gigantic and a whole lot of fun as the X Games are set to return to the Buttermilk Ski Area in Aspen on Friday for their 20th year. But unfortunately, X Games Vice President Tim Reed is saying that many changes have been made and things remain flexible as they deal with the coronavirus pandemic still causing issues.
The details were first released by the Aspen Times, as safety is the number one priority for all X Games officials and coordinators. And because of the safety measures due to the pandemic, there will be no fans on-site to spectate the competitions, there also won't be any music, it will just be the main skiing and snowboarding competitions.
Lots of social distancing measures have been implemented and there will be lots of COVID testing for staff and competitors throughout the event.
The event that usually runs for four days will be shortened to just three days this year. Every athlete will be tested for COVID each time they arrive at the Buttermilk venue, face masks will be mandatory for all athletes and coaches, plus extra social distancing measures have already been set up.
While no spectators will be allowed on-site, ESPN will provide 17.5 hours of live coverage across its networks and social media channels.
As much as we wish we could take in all the action in person we are wishing all competitors the best of luck in the 2021 X Games.