HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif./USA (Monday, June 15, 2020) - In light of continued health concerns and current guidelines surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Vans US Open of Surfing presented by Swatch has been canceled and will return in 2021.
The decision to cancel was made after careful consideration, with the health and safety of fans, athletes, staff, and the local community remaining the top priority.
Event organizers look forward to providing the best experience possible for attendees at the famed southside of the Huntington Beach Pier in 2021, which will once again, bring together an international board sports community for the largest professional action sports competition and festival in the world.
Carly Gomez, VP of Marketing, Americas at Vans, said: "Our mission is to provide an authentic action sports community experience at the Vans US Open of Surfing. It's a unique environment that showcases our incredible network of athletes, artists, and brand collaborators who all represent creativity. We look forward to bringing the evolution of this event to life in 2021 when the event returns to Huntington Beach."
Jennifer Lau, Vice President of Action Sports at IMG, said: "The Vans US Open of Surfing has always been about bringing people together in a healthy, fun and interactive environment, and given the size and scale of the event, we can't see a way to do that this year without sacrificing the very thing that makes it so special. This event would not be the same without the amazing surf, skate, and BMX fans who come out to connect and have fun year after year. We can't wait to return in 2021 and will be working harder than ever to stage another world-class event at Huntington Beach next summer."
The Vans US Open of Surfing is sanctioned and operated by the World Surf League under license from IMG, the event owner.
For more information, please visit VansUSOpenofSurfing.com.
Media Contacts
VANS: George Pedrick, george_pedrick@vfc.com
IMG: Jo Robertson, Joanna.Robertson@img.com; Rachael Trager, RTrager@endeavorco.com
WSL: Press@worldsurfleague.com
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in 84 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans® has over 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture and delivers progressive platforms such as the Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans' cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media, operating in more than 30 countries. The company manages some of the world's greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specializes in sports training and league development, as well as marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. IMG is part of the Endeavor network.