Boston Welcomes Thrilling Street Snowboarding Competition

BOSTON, Mass. — Over 10,000 spectators gathered at City Hall Plaza on Saturday to witness the Red Bull Heavy Metal street snowboarding competition, showcasing the skills of top snowboarders from across the country. The event, which began at 2:30 p.m. and concluded around 5:30 p.m., was filled with breathtaking stunts and impressive talent.

Originally expecting only 4,000 attendees, organizers were surprised by a turnout of nearly 20,000 people. Many fans braved the cold, waiting for over two hours to secure prime viewing spots. “It’s gnarly,” one spectator told 7NEWS. “They’re going to throw down on that rail right there. That’s heavy,” adding to the excitement as snowboarders executed high-flying tricks and daring maneuvers.

“It’s a whole other level out there compared to most people on the mountain,” another attendee remarked, highlighting the unique environment and skills on display. The competition featured 36 riders, including local talents Jake Aaronson of Needham, Mass., and Callen Hwang of Rye, N.H., along with seasoned X-Games competitors.

Event organizer Oren Tanzer, president of Frankie Bird Production Company, explained that the chosen location of City Hall Plaza allowed for creative use of the venue’s architecture, including a prominent staircase that played a significant role in the competition setup. “There’s going to be a lot of people here and we’re planning for more people,” Tanzer said.

In preparation for the competition, crews transported an impressive 300 tons of snow—20 truckloads—from New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain to create a suitable course for the athletes. The event featured three distinct zones across City Hall Plaza, each offering unique challenges for the snowboarders competing for prizes totaling $2,500. The top male and female snowboarders would also claim the grand prizes of $4,500, new snowboards, and the title of Boston’s first Red Bull Heavy Metal champions.

To enhance the festivities, food trucks and refreshments were made available to the crowds, creating a lively atmosphere. With gates opening at 2 p.m., spectators were already buzzing with excitement well in advance of the competition starting. Fans enthusiastic about winter sports were treated to a thrilling experience, proving to be an unforgettable day in the heart of Boston.