LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Sunday, September 10, 2000 - British Columbia's Mike Michalchuk overcame unseasonable blizzard conditions and an all out assault from Terje Haakonsen (Norway) and Canadian Trevor Andrew to capture the first-ever Nike All Conditions Gear (ACG) Indoor last night at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles. The "Dreamcast Presents The ACG Indoor" showcased the world's top 20 snowboarders competing for $75,000 and a new Mitsubishi Montero Sport in America's inaugural indoor quarterpipe and music festival.

Against a wintry backdrop featuring 80 tons of snow and a state-of-the-art pyrotechnic and laser show, Michalchuk landed a near flawless double back flip off the quarterpipe to win $32,000 and the sport utility vehicle. Capturing one of the night's biggest airs and placing a close second was Haakonsen who won $14,500. Third place and $9,500 went to Andrew.

"The combination of music, lights, and big air competition proved to be the right mix", stated Scott MacEachern, global director of emerging sports for Nike, Inc. "Our hope is to continue to grow this event into a franchise event for Nike ACG and to create an experience for the audience and the riders like no other that exists today."

The athlete roster for the Nike ACG Indoor featured an international blend of world champions, halfpipe and quarterpipe specialists including Sweden's Ingemar Backman, California's Jim Rippey and Kevin Jones. Also competing were Ross Powers (Londonderry, Vermont), Romain De Marchi (Switzerland) and Rob Kingwill (Jackson, Wyoming).

Evening highlights included live performances by Eminem, Mixmaster Mike and famed rocker Tommy Lee playing with the Kottonmouth Kings. Additionally, two audience members battled the elements and "Rumbled With Macho Man Randy Savage" in their quest to conquer Dreamcast's Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The competition will air on USA Network, October 7, at 10:00 AM. Post-event satellite news feeds are planned later today and on Monday, Sept. 11 (details available upon request).

Event sponsors included Nike ACG, Sega Dreamcast, Slim Jim, Mitsubishi, Maxell, Crossrocket.com and Mountain High. The event's official radio partner was KROQ-FM. Dreamcast Presents The ACG Indoor was produced by On Board Entertainment, a youth-marketing agency specializing in sports & music events and tours.

— Courtesy of NIKE