First, we got our own NHL hockey team. Then, the Olympics named us their 2034 host, how could sports fans be any happier? Utahns must have done something to earn the favor of the athletic gods because this summer Salt Lake will host two blowout events—The Red Bull Soapbox races and the X Games.
Red Bull Soapbox Race—Saturday, June 14
Engineers, showmen and adrenaline junkies rejoice, the Red Bull Soapbox race is making a stop in Salt Lake during their 2025 summer tour. The event, which first took place in Belgium 25 years ago, challenges amateur pilots to navigate steep obstacle-laden courses in hand-made soapbox cars.
Part extravagance and part skill, contestant craft one-of-a-kind motorless vehicles with both steering and braking capability. Teams must find a careful balance between flair and function, as they will be judged on their performance at the start of the race as much as track speed and agility. The track is lined with jumps, hay bales and crash pads—the latter serving as the finish line for those contestants lucky enough to make it to the end. Most of the cars meet their end in fantastical crashes or engineering failures, both are met with lively cheers and fanfare.
On Saturday June 14th, locals will have their shot at infamy as they compete in the high-energy race. The course will take over Main Street starting at the State Capitol, where up to 40 teams of five will test their creativity, endurance and flamboyance. Thousands are expected to be in attendance at the race, one of only three taking place in the U.S. tour this year. “Utah is thrilled to welcome Red Bull Soapbox Race to downtown Salt Lake City. We can’t wait to see how Utahns showcase their creativity and skill in their soapbox designs – it’s a great family-friendly participatory event for the state,” said Utah Sports Commission president and CEO Jeff Robbins in a press conference Wednesday, February 12.
Applications to compete will be open through March 30, visit redbull.com/soapboxraceutah to apply!
Find inspiration from previous years’ contestants, below!
Photos courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool
X Games—June 27-June 29
On Thursday, February 13, X Games officials named Salt Lake as one of three hosts for the 2025 games, along with Osaka and Sacramento. The three-day sports festival will take place at the Utah State Fairpark and Event Center where fans can enjoy Moto X, BMX and skateboarding competitions. “Salt Lake City has a deep-rooted passion for action sports, and we’re thrilled to bring the X Games experience here for the first time,” said X Games CEO Jeremy Bloom, at Thursday’s press conference. “With its incredible outdoor culture, energetic fan base, and strong support from the Utah State Fairpark and Visit Salt Lake, this city is the perfect stage for our athletes to push their limits and put on an unforgettable show.”
X Games Salt Lake City will host over 100 athletes as they compete for more than $1 million in prize money and legacies as X Games champions. Along with action-packed performances, attendees can also expect brand activations and partnered integrations for an unforgettable weekend. “Our capital city is stoked to host the X Games for the first time ever this summer as they enter their 30th anniversary of world-class sporting events,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Salt Lakers are fans, athletes, and some of them even Olympians—making this a natural fit. We look forward to welcoming competitors and fans to a place that lives and breathes the spirit of competition and community.”
More information on ticket sales and event schedule is forthcoming, visit xgames.com for the latest updates.
