Festivities began Saturday night with the opening of the bowl & outdoor street course. Nearly all of the Vans skate team was on hand including Tony Alva, Steve Caballero, John Cardiel, Geoff Rowley, Jeff Grosso, Tony Trujillo, Dustin Dollin, Omar Hassan, Anthony Van Engelen, Johnny Layton, Gilbert Crockett, Andrew Allen and Curren Caples. Other Vans team riders in attendance included Joel Tudor, Zac Marben, Ryan Guettler, Robbie Morales, Chase Hawk and Dakota Roche. Built by California Skateparks, the design of the bowl & skate park was led by Lance Mountain and Brian Pino. 
John Cardiel and Tony Alva led off the music for the evening with DJ sets as artist Mike Giant began creating a custom piece on the back wall by the bowl. Gilbere Forte followed up with a rap-infused set as the crowd began to grow in anticipation of an appearance by Public Enemy. Mos Def then quietly took to the stage and quickly stole everyone’s attention in a surprise performance. Chuck D, Flava Flav and the Public Enemy crew then turned up the energy another notch in the highlight of the evening. The Blackouts, Atiba and Ako Jefferson, then eased everyone into the night with a reggae-infused mix. Thanks to everyone who could come out to make the night so special. Please keep your eyes peeled for future events!
House of Vans Venue Highlights: - 25,000 square feet; 15,000 indoors and 10,000 sq. ft outdoor enclosed patio and skate plaza - raised indoor flowing concrete bowl with numerous contours, shapes, banks & transitions - outdoor skate plaza with steps and railings - permanent, removable professional stage, lighting and sound system - performer "green room" - installed custom art by Mike Giant - will serve as Vans’ East Coast marketing headquarters with two full time employees at launch - home to Vans’ East Coast touring RV
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.