Every summer, skateboarding fans across the world look forward to one event above all others. Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert brings together the best vert skaters on the planet for a competition unlike anything else in the sport. Whether you are a lifelong skate fan or someone who simply loves live action sports, this event is worth knowing about.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit. You will find details on the 2026 schedule, the venue, how to get tickets, what to expect on competition days, and much more.
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 since 2021. The tournament was created by skateboarding legend and entrepreneur Tony Hawk, and it is contested on his personal vert ramp.
The event was born from a real concern. By 2021, Hawk felt that vert skateboarding was a dying art. Street and park had become more popular styles of skateboarding over the prior decade, while vert competitions had become limited to the X Games and a few others. Therefore, he decided to take matters into his own hands and create a world-class stage for the discipline he loves most.
Today, the event has grown into a must-see celebration. It features both a main competition and a Legends Demo, where icons of skateboarding history entertain the crowd with jaw-dropping tricks. The atmosphere is electric, and the access is remarkably open to the public.
2026 Event Overview
The 2026 edition of the event is confirmed to take place at the Jon M. Huntsman Center at the University of Utah. The official Vert Alert website has confirmed the 2026 event will be held at the Jon M. Huntsman Center, University of Utah. This makes it the third consecutive year the event has been held at this iconic indoor venue.
The specific dates for the 2026 competition have not yet been officially announced at the time of writing. However, based on past editions, the event traditionally takes place in mid-to-late July. The 2025 edition, for example, was held on July 18th and 19th. Fans are advised to check the official website at thvertalert.com for the most current scheduling information.
Additionally, the event typically spans two days, with semifinals and the Legends Demo taking place on the first day and the finals held on the second day.
Where Is Vert Alert Held in 2026?
The 2026 competition takes place at the Jon M. Huntsman Center, located on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
The Jon M. Huntsman Center is located at 1825 S Campus Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84112. It is a large, well-equipped indoor arena that can handle the size and energy of this event comfortably. Moving the event indoors was an important step for the organizers. Due to concerns about maintaining the wooden vert ramp in outdoor summer heat, the competition was moved to an indoor arena. The indoor setting protects both the ramp and the audience from harsh weather conditions.
Salt Lake City itself is a fantastic destination. The city offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. If you are flying in, Salt Lake City International Airport is close and well-connected. Additionally, the University of Utah campus is accessible by public transit, making it easy to get around without a car.
The Competition Format: What to Expect
Understanding how the competition works makes the experience much richer for first-time attendees.
In the standard vert competition, riders are split into groups and take untimed runs during a 25-minute jam session. After 30 seconds, skaters are no longer penalized for bailing or deliberately ending their runs. Skaters are judged cumulatively on their overall impression across all runs combined.
There is also a Best Trick session, which is a crowd favorite. In the Best Trick competition, riders skate for a 20-minute jam session, each attempting to land a single, difficult trick. Watching a skater attempt something that has never been done before, over and over, is one of the most thrilling things in all of live sports.
The competition has separate divisions for men and women, and both receive equal billing on the schedule. This commitment to inclusion is one of the things that makes the event stand out in the skateboarding world.
Prize Money at Stake
The financial rewards on offer make this a serious professional contest.
In the Main Event, first place earns $10,000, second place earns $5,000, and third place earns $3,000. Additional prizes are awarded down to 20th place. In the Best Trick competition, first place receives $3,000, second place earns $2,000, and third place takes home $1,000.
These prize pools attract the very best competitors in the world. However, the event is about more than money. It is about proving yourself on the world’s most celebrated vert ramp in front of thousands of passionate fans.
Legends Demo: A Highlight of the Event
One of the most beloved parts of each year’s event is the Legends Demo. This is a showcase featuring some of the greatest names in skateboarding history.
The Legends Demo is an incredibly popular feature of the event, where fans can see many of the biggest names in skateboarding history putting on a show. Past participants have included icons such as Kevin Staab, Andy Macdonald, Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero, and Bob Burnquist, among others.
For younger fans, the demo is a chance to see living legends in action. For older fans, it is a deeply nostalgic experience. Either way, it is not something you want to miss.
Ticket Information: Is It Really Free?
One of the most surprising things about this event is its pricing structure.
The event is a free two-day vert skateboarding competition and Legends Demo, open to the general public. That means you can walk in and watch world-class skateboarding at no cost. This philosophy reflects Tony Hawk’s long-held belief that skateboarding should be accessible to everyone.
However, if you want a more premium experience, VIP ticket packages are available. VIP ticket packages offer enhanced access and additional benefits at the event. These packages sell out quickly, so it is worth checking the official website early if you are interested in upgrading your experience.
There is one important rule to keep in mind: no skateboards are allowed inside the venue, but there is a skateboard check available outside the doors. Plan accordingly if you are bringing a board to skate around the university campus before or after the show.
How to Watch Online
Not everyone can make the trip to Salt Lake City. Fortunately, you do not have to miss out.
Rather than partnering with a conventional television broadcaster, all tournaments have been livestreamed on YouTube via the RIDE channel. This means you can watch every run, every trick, and every moment of the Legends Demo from anywhere in the world, completely free of charge.
The livestream typically covers both competition days in full. Therefore, even if you cannot attend in person, you can still be part of the experience in real time.
Past Champions: Who Has Won Before?
Looking at past results gives you a sense of the talent level this event attracts.
Past Best Trick winners include Sky Brown and Jimmy Wilkins in 2021, Reese Nelson and Edouard Damestoy in 2022, Reese Nelson and Moto Shibata in 2023, Arisa Trew and Keefer Wilson in 2024, and Arisa Trew and Ao Nishikawa in 2025.
Arisa Trew, in particular, has been a dominant force. She is a Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalist, and her performances at this event have been nothing short of spectacular. Watching her skate is one of the great privileges of attending or tuning in.
Tips for Attending the 2026 Event
Planning ahead will make your experience much smoother. Here are a few practical suggestions:
- Arrive early on both days. The venue fills up quickly, and good spots go fast.
- Dress in layers. Indoor arenas can be cool, even in summer.
- Check the official website closer to the date for the confirmed daily schedule and any changes.
- If you want VIP access, register as soon as packages become available.
- Explore the University of Utah campus before or after the event. It is a beautiful setting.
- Follow the official social media accounts for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content using the hashtag #thvertalert.
Why This Event Matters for Skateboarding
Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert is more than a competition. It is a statement about the future of vert skateboarding.
When the event launched in 2021, many people worried that vert was fading from the spotlight. Five years later, the evidence tells a very different story. The crowds are growing. The competition level is rising. Young skaters are being inspired to try vert for the first time. Additionally, the Legends Demo keeps the history of the sport alive for new generations.
The event has become a centerpiece of Hawk’s skate legacy. The first Vert Alert was held in August 2021, paired with a stop on the Street League Skateboarding Championship Tour and a ribbon-cutting for the expanded Vans Utah Sports Commission Skatepark.
That combination of celebration, competition, and community is exactly what makes this event so special. It is not just about who wins. It is about what skateboarding means to people, and why it deserves a world-class stage every single year.
Conclusion
Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert 2026 is shaping up to be another unmissable event for skateboarding fans. The competition returns to the Jon M. Huntsman Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, continuing a run of successful indoor editions. General admission remains free to the public, while VIP options provide a premium experience for those who want it. The event features two days of top-level vert competition, a beloved Legends Demo, and a global livestream for fans who cannot attend in person. Whether you are heading to Salt Lake City or watching from your couch, there has never been a better time to tune in to vert skateboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert 2026?
The exact dates for the 2026 event have not been officially confirmed yet. Based on previous years, the event is expected to take place in mid-to-late July 2026. Check thvertalert.com for the official announcement.
Where is Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert 2026 held?
The 2026 event is confirmed to take place at the Jon M. Huntsman Center, located at 1825 S Campus Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 on the University of Utah campus.
How much do tickets cost?
General admission to Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert is free for both days of the event. VIP ticket packages are available for those who want a more premium experience and can be purchased through the official website.
Can I watch Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert online?
Yes. The event is livestreamed for free on YouTube through the RIDE channel. Both competition days are typically streamed in full, so anyone around the world can watch.
Who are some of the skaters competing at Vert Alert?
The event attracts the world’s best vert skaters, including recent champions like Arisa Trew and Ao Nishikawa. The Legends Demo also features iconic names from skateboarding history such as Andy Macdonald, Christian Hosoi, and Steve Caballero, among others.
