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This Bud’s for night owls only

Sam Bauman

They’ve barely cleaned up after the World Cup freestyle event at Heavenly Ski Resort and now they’ve got something new scheduled.

Kicking off Friday (Feb. 5) will be the Bud Light Border Battle, with the world’s top pro snowboarders shredding for $50,000 in prize money.

OK, what’s so unusual?



First, these events will take place at night.

Second, they will be held entirely on the Nevada side. Why Nevada? Because of a new law in California that forbids athletic competitions tied in with alcohol in some way or another. Don’t ask.



So it all starts at the Stagecoach Lodge, where the new detachable quad will keep things moving.

“Our goal has been to continue offering new and unique events at Heavenly for both competitors and spectators,” said Malcolm Tibbetts, VP of mountain operations. “We’ve opted for night events so more spectators can get out and cheer their favorite riders.”

Unfortunately, one of the area’s favorite riders, Shawn Palmer, will not be taking part in the event for unknown reasons, say the organizers.

The first event will be the halfpipe Friday on the Stagecoach run under the lights at 7 p.m. Saturday is big air at 7 p.m. on the Olympic run. The halfpipe will be about halfway down the run, so spectators can get a run in on the excellent Olympic go.

The exciting boardercross event on Sunday will be at 12:30 p.m. on the Nevada Comet run. This will be men only as the top 32 qualifiers will battle for the money. No women are scheduled for the big air but will take part in the halfpipe.

Practice will begin each morning. First-places men winners receive $6,000, women $3,000.

There will be an apres snowboard party at 3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Stagecoach lodge.

The Board Light battle is presented by Airwalk,Doritos, Bud Light and the American Skiing Co. ESPN and ESPN2 will air the competition in February, March and April. No air times have been set.

If you’re really in a party mood, part of the competition will be a concert at the Horizon Casino Resort featuring Godsmack with Tahoe’s own Anxiety opening the show.

For those interested in competing, call (800) 586-7000, ext. 6208.

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