Real-world version of Red Bull's Pin Drop merges with Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 in action
In the sun-soaked city of Jacksonville, Florida, history was made as Kona Skatepark, the world's oldest surviving skatepark, played host to a unique event that brought together skateboarding and gaming culture. The Red Bull Pin Drop: Kona Skatepark, held in partnership with Activision, celebrated the release of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 with a competition that combined real-life skateboarding with its virtual counterpart.
This innovative event saw gamers and professional skaters paired up for a competitive format. The gamers skated virtually on the Kona level in the game, while the skaters performed runs in the real Kona Skatepark. Scores from both halves were combined for the leaderboard, creating a first-of-its-kind competition that seamlessly blended virtual and physical skateboarding.
To enhance the competition environment and reflect the game's features, Kona Skatepark underwent a resurfacing and upgrade, with new permanent concrete street obstacles added for the first time. This transformation further elevated the historic park, making it a fitting stage for the event.
Prominent skaters such as Jamie Foy, Leticia Bufoni, Zion Wright, and Bam Margera participated, highlighting the park's continued relevance in both real-world and virtual skate culture. Jamie Foy, a handrail innovator from Florida, and Zion Wright, a renowned all-terrain skater from the same state, showcased their skills alongside Leticia Bufoni, a five-time X Games gold medalist and a Brazilian icon breaking down barriers in women's skateboarding.
The partnership between Kona Skatepark and Red Bull Pin Drop represents a convergence of skateboarding history, gaming culture, and event innovation. By leveraging Kona Skatepark's legacy and its inclusion in the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, they created an immersive experience that honours both the sport and the game.
The competition attracted wide attention within the skate community, showcasing the ongoing vitality of Kona Skatepark as a historic and cultural landmark. Its deep roots in skateboarding history, being recognised as the oldest skatepark in the U.S., and its ongoing developments within Jacksonville's skate scene, including nearby new parks like Artist Walk Skate Park, further cement its historic and cultural significance.
In addition, Red Bull is offering in-game rewards for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, adding another layer of excitement to the game and the event. The Red Bull Pin Drop: Kona Skatepark brought the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater franchise to life at the legendary Kona Skatepark, creating a memorable experience that celebrated the past, present, and future of skateboarding.
Skateboarding athletes such as Jamie Foy and Zion Wright, alongside gaming enthusiasts, collaborated at the Red Bull Pin Drop: Kona Skatepark event, which featured a unique combination of real-life skateboarding and virtual competition, facilitated by Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4. Red Bull, through this partnership, enhanced the event by offering in-game rewards, further immersing players in the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater experience.
