Red Bull Heavy Metal Returns to Saint Paul on February 1
The World's Top Street Snowboarders, led by Minnesota's Benny Milam, will gather in Saint Paul for an Epic Display of Talent on the Steps of the State Capitol
SAINT PAUL, DEC 11, 2024—After an incredible event in 2024, Red Bull Heavy Metal will return to the Minnesota State Capitol Building for an encore performance on Saturday, February 1, 2025. The world-class competition will once again welcome fans to watch sport’s most creative and daring athletes on a custom-built course designed to transform the historic Capitol’s steps and rails into an electrifying arena.
Originally launched in the early 2000s, Red Bull Heavy Metal is a legendary showcase of the grit, creativity, and raw energy that defines street snowboarding. After its triumphant revival in 2022 in Duluth, MN, the event has quickly asserted itself as America's pinnacle street snowboarding competition, drawing massive crowds and glowing praise from fans and riders alike.
Each stop—be it the dynamic terrain of Duluth (2022), the historic streets of Detroit (2023), or the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol Building (2024)—has delivered unforgettable moments, cementing its reputation as one of sport’s most exhilarating events. So rarely does a city get to see this collection of snowboarding talent come together for an event of this caliber, and Saint Paul is the first to get the honor of back-to-back years.
Red Bull Heavy Metal returns to its Minnesota roots, with Joe Sexton, Competition Director and Minnesota snowboarding legend, once again leading the way, “I’ve seen Red Bull Heavy Metal evolve in so many positive ways. It’s hard to put into words the impact that watching street snowboarding has on people. Taking this contest from a local spot in Duluth to center stage at the State Capitol Building is truly incredible. This year should be extra special, with a few new features and large screens to ensure everyone can catch the action. I’m very excited!”
Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter expressed his excitement about the event, "Winter in Minnesota is an exciting time to explore the outdoors, and we're thrilled to welcome Red Bull Heavy Metal back to Saint Paul," said Mayor Carter. "The energy from this world-class event kicks off what will be a year full of fun and celebration across our capital city."
Jaimee Lucke Hendrickson, President & CEO of Visit Saint Paul says, “We had a blast hosting Red Bull Heavy Metal in Saint Paul last year and are thrilled to have it return. Last year's event was jaw dropping and I expect it will be even more so this year. Snowboarding off the State Capitol building is the perfect display of Saint Paul's celebration of winter - we can't wait!”
The unique competition hosts top male and female riders while encouraging creativity and inventiveness on unforgiving features, such as rails, stairs and benches, that may look more at home in a skate park. Last year saw Egan Wint and Luke Winkelmann take home top prizes while Minnesota native and the unofficial host of the event, Benny Milam was a runner-up. Milam is thrilled to welcome the world's best back to his home state and return to the top of the podium, where he stood after Red Bull Heavy Metal Duluth in 2022.
Milam says, “Red Bull Heavy Metal has come so far since 2022. It’s really become a staple in the world of snowboarding. And we’re constantly changing things up, keeping it fresh with new features and riders. One of my favorite new additions, that we’re doing again this year, is the Last Chance Qualifier. It’s a great opportunity for local shredders and underdogs who are trying to make a name for themselves in snowboarding. I think it’s so great that we can bring it back to Minnesota, and to Saint Paul, for another year. Last year brought out a crowd unlike anything I’d ever seen, so I’m ready for this year to be even bigger and turn the city of Saint Paul upside down.” He adds with a grin: “I mean that in the most respectful way possible!”
The event will feature three differentiated competition zones, each highlighting different aspects of street snowboarding. Riders will tackle custom-designed rails, gaps, and creative features that will challenge even the most experienced snowboarders. More information about the three zones will be shared closer to the event.
The full list of confirmed riders will be announced in the coming weeks, but the following men and women have already locked in their spots:
- 2022 Red Bull Heavy Metal winner & Minnesota native Benny Milam
- 2024 X Games Street Style gold medalist Grace Warner
- 2023 & 2024 Red Bull Heavy Metal Women’s winner Egan Wint
- 2024 X Games Street Style gold medalist & 2023 Red Bull Heavy Metal Men’s winner Pat Fava
2023 Red Bull Heavy Metal Women’s runner-up & Minnesota native Jaylen Hanson
Similar to 2024’s event, Red Bull Heavy Metal will once again open the competitor’s field to the public with a Last Chance Qualifier being held at Buck Hill in Burnsville. More information, including date and registration details for the qualifier, will be released in January 2025.
The single day contest will take place on Saturday, February 1 at the Minnesota State Capitol Building in Saint Paul, MN. Gates will open at 1PM with the action happening from 2-5PM. The event is free and open to all spectators. Red Bull will also release video content to recap and support the event for those who cannot be in attendance.
More info will be posted in the coming weeks at www.redbull.com/heavymetalstp.
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Press Information
Casey Peterson casey.peterson@redbull.com
Luke Westnedge luke.westnedge@redbull.com
Dan Palumbo dan@scrimshawpr.com
Mike DeCarlo mike@scrimshawpr.com