Skate AC grand reopening at Atlantic City skate park

The event will feature DC Shoes, RVCA, Volcom, Element and a lineup of skateboarding, surf, lifestyle and community partners

Skate AC will host the grand reopening of Sovereign Avenue Skatepark, also known as “Back Sov,” from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, in Atlantic City.

Presented by DC Shoes, with support from RVCA, Volcom and Element, the event will bring together skateboarding, music, community and youth programming.

The event will feature a DC Skate Team demonstration and signing, cash skate contests, a live performance by Fool Scum, a special guest appearance by BBYOSHANDO, giveaways and other activities.

But for Skate AC, the day represents more than the reopening of a skatepark; Sovereign Avenue is where the organization began.

Before Skate AC became a nonprofit organization, before multiple skateparks, free youth lessons, major events, equipment giveaways and national brand partnerships, Back Sov began as an illegal DIY skatepark created by skateboarders who simply wanted and needed a place of their own.

That grassroots effort became the foundation of an entire movement.

What began with skateboarders creating an unauthorized place to skate at Sovereign Avenue has since grown into multiple parks, youth programs, free lessons, community events, skateboard and equipment giveaways, partnerships with globally recognized brands and an expanding effort to use skateboarding as a tool for wellness, mentorship, creativity and community development.

“Back Sov is the birthplace of everything Skate AC has become,” said Jason Klotz, founder and executive director of Skate AC. “It started as an illegal DIY skatepark because skateboarders needed somewhere to go. Years later, we’re coming back to that same place with the support of some of the biggest brands in skateboarding and surf culture. It’s hard to put into words what that means. This event celebrates where we came from, everyone who helped build this movement and where we’re going next.”

The Sept. 26 event will unite generations of skateboarders who helped shape the Sovereign Avenue scene with the young people now discovering skateboarding through Skate AC’s parks, lessons and programming.

Sponsors and supporters of the event include DC Shoes, RVCA, Volcom, Element, Lion Order by Rohan Marley, AC Heals, Supreme, Thrasher, Heritage Surf & Sport, Clearly Faded, JAKKS Pacific, Tony Baloney’s, Atlantic City Recreation, Skate AC, Bones, Quiksilver and Roxy.

“What started with skateboarders building something for themselves has developed into a real community institution,” Klotz said. “Having this many respected companies and organizations come together around Back Sov shows what can happen when people believe in young people, skateboarding and public spaces that actually bring communities together.”