By SOL Newsroom

October 28, 1999

Burlington, VT (October 28, 1999) - The 18th Annual U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships will take place March 16 - 19, 2000 at Stratton Mountain, VT.

The U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships is snowboarding's premier event, annually drawing the best athletes in the world and over 25,000 spectators for four days of competition. Just as other sports have one event that represents the most important gathering of the year, �The Open� is widely acknowledged as snowboarding�s main event and most accurate talent showcase. For two decades it has remained a model of progression, providing a benchmark for the sport, the caliber of riders, and the standard against which all other snowboard events are measured.

The Open is truly an �open� event, welcoming all competitors from elite pros on the circuit, legendary event mainstays, to complete newcomers. Each year, over 500 athletes vie for top spots and a piece of the event�s cash purse. This year, The Open will feature men�s and women�s competitions in four disciplines: Halfpipe, Big Air, Super G, and Boardercross; and will award prize money totaling $130,000.

ESPN will again provide television coverage of this year�s event. The network will produce four half hour shows, generating six hours of programming, that will be shown on both ESPN and ESPN2 in prime time, after school and Saturday morning time slots, throughout the summer and fall of 2000.

Spectator admission to The Open is always free and the event features other highlights such as a pro rider autograph session, night-time halfpipe exhibitions, and an interactive sponsor booth area.

The U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships website is www.usopen-snowboarding.com

For information regarding additional editorial content, editorial photographs, athlete participation / interviews, or travel logistics - contact: Fuse Sports Mktg -Tara GaNun at (802) 864 - 7123 / Burton Snowboards - Amy Barrett (802) 862-4500