Red Bull Heavy Metal 2026: The Road to Boston Starts Now
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Red Bull Heavy Metal is officially back, and for the 2026 season, the stakes are higher than ever with an expanded tour and a wide-open field for local talent. After a record-breaking 2025 turnout in Boston that saw over 20,000 fans pack City Hall Plaza, the premier street snowboarding contest is adding two regional qualifiers to the mix. This expansion gives up-and-coming riders a legitimate path to the main stage, where they’ll compete alongside icons like Zeb Powell.
The 2026 Tour Stops
The "Road to Boston" features three major stops across the Eastern and Mid-Western U.S., utilizing iconic urban architecture as the ultimate canvas:
- Minneapolis, MN (January 17, 2026): The first qualifier takes place at Nicollet Island under the Hennepin Ave Bridge.
- Pittsburgh, PA (January 31, 2026): The tour makes its Steel City debut at Acrisure Stadium, home of the Steelers.
- Boston Finals (February 21, 2026): The grand finale returns to City Hall Plaza for a high-intensity showdown.
How to Qualify: Open Applications
For the first time in the event's history, the field is expanding through open regional qualifiers. Amateurs looking to throw down with the pros must follow a specific application process:
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- Video Submission: Prospective competitors must submit a 60-second clip showcasing their best rail riding and street technicality.
- Selection Process: A panel of experts reviews all submissions to select the top riders for each regional heat.
- The Golden Ticket: The top male and female finishers at each qualifier receive a $1,000 prize, a travel stipend, and a confirmed invite to the Boston Finals.
A New Era for Street Snowboarding
This contest format prioritizes raw creativity over traditional park-style setups. In Boston, the Loon Mountain Terrain Park Team will move over 300 tons of snow to create three distinct riding zones—ranging from massive gaps to technical kinked rails. Whether you're a local rider aiming for the top spot or a fan looking to spectate the 2026 Heavy Metal season is set to be an all-timer.
