Hart Plaza Transforms Into Skate Park For Red Bull Skateboard Series

DETROIT (WWJ) -- From kick-flips to nose-slides, some of the best skateboarders in the world are shredding up Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit this weekend.

It was a high-energy afternoon along the Detroit Riverfront on Friday, where the Red Bull Skateboard Series and skateboarder Ryan Sheckler ultimately decided to host the unique event.

"We had a couple different ideas for where we wanted to go and Detroit came up in a conversation," Sheckler said. "I was like, 'let's do it in Detroit, man, let's see if we can find a location in Detroit.' And then the second I heard Hart Plaza I was like, 'that's it, dude, that's the one.'"

Hart Plaza transformed for the event, outfitted with custom ramps and walls. Sheckler said that Hart Plaza actually offers a unique multi-level "start-to-finish" course where competitors are judged on both speed and style.

"Skateboarders are all about having heart, putting your passion on your board and I just feel like the energy is incredible," Sheckler said.

Sheckler has already been voted one of the most "influential" skateboarders of all time -- at age of 25. Day Two of the event -- The Finals, which are free -- start at 11 a.m. Saturday.