Every summer, the skateboarding world turns its eyes to Salt Lake City, Utah. One event drives that attention more than any other. Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert has become the most exciting vert skateboarding competition in the world. It brings together the sport’s biggest legends and its brightest new stars. Whether you are a lifelong skate fan or a curious newcomer, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
What Is Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert?
Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert is a professional vert skateboarding competition held annually in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tony Hawk founded the event in 2021 because he felt that vert skateboarding was becoming a dying art. Street and park skating had grown more popular over the years. Vert competitions, however, had become limited to just a handful of events like the X Games.
Hawk wanted to change that. So he launched his own tournament, contested on his personal vert ramp. That ramp is transported each year from his private skatepark in Vista, California. The result is a world-class competition surface that riders trust completely.
The event has grown every single year since its launch. Additionally, it won the Governor’s State of Sport Award for “Event of the Year” in 2022. That honor confirmed what fans already knew. This is no ordinary contest.
2026 Event Schedule and Key Dates
The 2026 edition of Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert is set to take place at the Jon M. Huntsman Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. The official website at THVertAlert.com confirms the venue for 2026.
The event follows a multi-day format that fans have come to love. Here is what the schedule typically looks like:
- Day 1: Open Qualifiers and Semi-Finals, followed by the fan-favorite Legends Demo
- Day 2: Finals for both the Men’s and Women’s competitions, along with the Best Trick session
Qualifiers and semi-finals are also held in Vista, California ahead of the main event in Salt Lake City. This gives up-and-coming skaters a real shot at making it to the finals stage. Therefore, the event truly rewards talent at every level.
Specific dates for the 2026 finals have not yet been officially announced at time of writing. However, based on past years, the event typically runs in late June or mid-July. Check THVertAlert.com for the latest confirmed dates as they are released.
Venue and Location Guide
Jon M. Huntsman Center 1825 South Campus Drive Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
The Jon M. Huntsman Center sits right on the University of Utah campus. It is a large indoor arena with plenty of room for spectators. The indoor setting is key. In earlier years, the event was held outdoors at the Days of ’47 rodeo arena at the Utah State Fairpark. However, concerns about heat damaging the wooden vert ramp led organizers to move the competition indoors.
The arena is easy to reach by car or by public transit. The University of Utah TRAX light rail station is a short walk away. Parking is available on campus, though it fills up fast on event days. Plan to arrive early if you are driving.
The venue holds thousands of fans and offers excellent sightlines from almost every seat. The atmosphere inside is electric. When the ramp is set up and the riders start dropping in, the energy in the building is hard to match.
Tickets and Admission Information
One of the best things about Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert is that general admission is completely free. Entry to the Jon M. Huntsman Center on both days is open to the public at no cost. This makes it one of the most accessible major action sports events in the country.
However, if you want a premium experience, VIP ticket packages are also available. VIP options typically include:
- Priority or reserved seating closer to the ramp
- Exclusive access areas
- Meet-and-greet or autograph opportunities with pro skaters
VIP packages sell out quickly, so it is worth checking the official website well in advance. Note that no skateboards are allowed inside the venue during the event. This is a firm rule, so leave your board at the hotel.
For the most up-to-date ticket and access information, visit THVertAlert.com or follow the event on Instagram at @thvertalert.
How the Competition Works
Understanding the format makes the event even more enjoyable to watch. The competition is split into two main parts: the standard vert competition and the Best Trick session.
In the vert competition, riders are split into groups of eight. They take turns making runs during a 25-minute jam session. Skaters are judged on the overall impression of all their runs combined. After the first 30 seconds of each run, riders are no longer penalized for falling. This gives them freedom to attempt more creative or risky moves without fear.
The Best Trick session works differently. Riders have 20 minutes to land a single trick of their choosing. Extra time is sometimes granted to skaters who come close but cannot complete their trick within the jam. These bonus runs do not count toward scoring, but they often produce some of the most memorable moments of the event.
Both men’s and women’s divisions compete. Prize money is awarded to the top finishers. First place in the main event earns $10,000. Second place receives $5,000. Third place takes home $3,000. Additional prizes go to finishers ranked fourth through twentieth.
Pro Riders to Watch in 2026
The event draws the best vert skaters in the world, along with legends of the sport. Here is a look at the key names to watch.
Arisa Trew
Arisa Trew from Australia is currently the dominant force in women’s vert skating. She won the Best Trick title in both 2024 and 2025. She also took home the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal in park skateboarding. Trew continues to push the limits of what is possible on a vert ramp. Watching her skate is a genuine privilege.
Ao Nishikawa
Ao Nishikawa won the Men’s Best Trick title in 2025. He is one of the most technically gifted vert skaters of his generation. His run at Vert Alert made a massive impression on the skateboarding community. In 2026, he will be one of the top favorites to claim the men’s title.
Andy Macdonald
Andy Macdonald is one of the most consistent competitors in vert skating history. He has competed at multiple editions of Vert Alert and continues to perform at a high level. Fans who grew up watching action sports in the late 1990s and 2000s will recognize his name immediately.
Christian Hosoi
Christian Hosoi is a true icon of skateboarding. His appearance at the Legends Demo is always one of the highlights of the weekend. He brings style and history to every event he attends. Additionally, he serves as a bridge between the sport’s golden era and today’s generation.
Steve Caballero
Steve Caballero is another legend who regularly appears at the event. His influence on skateboarding spans decades. Seeing him skate alongside today’s young pros is a reminder of just how deep vert skateboarding’s history runs.
Lizzie Armanto
Lizzie Armanto has served as both a competitor and a commentator at past editions of the event. She is one of the most respected figures in modern skateboarding. Her presence always adds something special to the overall experience.
Rune Glifberg
Rune Glifberg brings a wealth of international experience to the event. He is a former X Games champion and a fan favorite around the world. His fluid style on the ramp makes him a joy to watch.
The Legends Demo: A Must-See Moment
No visit to Vert Alert is complete without watching the Legends Demo. This segment features some of the biggest names in skateboarding history performing on the same ramp as the current pros.
Past participants have included Kevin Staab, Bucky Lasek, Sandro Dias, Bob Burnquist, Eddie Elguera, and many more. These are names that defined the sport for decades. Watching them skate together is a moving experience. It is part celebration, part time machine.
The demo takes place on Day 1, typically in the afternoon before or after the semi-finals. Do not miss it, even if the finals feel like the main attraction. Many fans say the Legends Demo is their favorite moment of the entire weekend.
How to Watch Online
If you cannot make the trip to Salt Lake City, you can still watch all the action online. All editions of Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert have been livestreamed on YouTube via the RIDE channel. The streams are free to watch and usually include full commentary coverage.
Past broadcasts have featured some excellent commentators. In 2025, Paul Zitzer handled play-by-play while Amelia Brodka provided color commentary. The production quality has improved each year, making the online experience genuinely great.
Search for “RIDE Channel” on YouTube and subscribe ahead of time. Notifications will alert you when the stream goes live.
Why This Event Matters for Skateboarding
Vert skateboarding had a real problem heading into the 2020s. It was losing visibility. Street and park competitions were drawing larger crowds and bigger media deals. Vert had few dedicated events, and many of those that remained used subpar ramps.
Tony Hawk recognized this problem and decided to solve it himself. By creating this event and using his own high-quality ramp, he gave vert skating a proper home again. The results speak for themselves. Attendance has grown each year. Young riders are taking up vert skating because they see it celebrated here.
Furthermore, the event has connected the generations. Watching a 16-year-old skater warming up next to a 50-year-old legend is something truly unique to this competition. That intergenerational spirit makes it unlike anything else in action sports.
Conclusion
Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert 2026 promises to be the biggest edition yet. The event will once again take place at the Jon M. Huntsman Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. General admission is free, making it accessible to everyone. VIP packages offer an upgraded experience for those who want one. The competition features elite pro riders like Arisa Trew and Ao Nishikawa, plus beloved legends in the famous Legends Demo. Whether you attend in person or watch the livestream on YouTube, this is a skateboarding event you should not miss. It honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert free to attend?
Yes. General admission to both days of the event is completely free to the public. VIP packages with premium seating and extras are available for purchase separately.
Where is the 2026 event being held?
The 2026 event is held at the Jon M. Huntsman Center at the University of Utah, located at 1825 South Campus Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Can I bring my skateboard to the event?
No. Skateboards are not permitted inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center during the event. This rule is strictly enforced by venue staff.
Who are the top riders expected to compete in 2026?
Top names to watch include Arisa Trew, Ao Nishikawa, Andy Macdonald, Rune Glifberg, and Lizzie Armanto. The Legends Demo also features skateboarding icons from past eras.
How can I watch Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert if I cannot attend in person?
The event is livestreamed for free on YouTube via the RIDE Channel. Previous year replays are also available on the channel if you want to catch up before the 2026 edition.
