St. Paul Residents Brace Themselves For Red Bull Crashed Ice

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) - Red Bull is now accepting applications to compete in next year's Red Bull Crashed Ice Championship in St. Paul.

In January, the event brought tens of thousands of spectators to the St. Paul area.

But some neighbors complained of property damage caused by the crowds.

With an apartment overlooking the Cathedral of St. Paul, Jason Crespin has prime seating for the Crashed Ice event.

"We're kind of excited about it. It's a good thing for the City of St. Paul, I think," Crespin said.

The popular event came at a cost to Jason when excited fans damaged his vehicle. Limited parking forced him to leave his Jeep close to the race course.

"You're kind of at a loss, because you can't do anything," he said.

Plastic wind guards were broken and spectators climbed on his vehicle for a better view. Before the races started, Red Bull said it would pay for any damage caused during the event. Jason says that never happened.

"Red Bull just kind of leaving town without...getting back to us - a simple apology or anything - kind of left a bad taste in our mouths," Crespin said.

And there's concern parking and property damage could be an issue once again. Neighbors have been told this year's Crashed Ice course will be moved right next to their apartment building.

Both the City of St. Paul and Red Bull are planning community meetings to address any issues surrounding the event. They already held the first meeting on Wednesday.

Heidi Kloempkin is an area resident who hopes the meetings will set her mind, and those of her neighbors, at ease.

"Having the one experience from one year, we'll be able to address those issues a little bit better this time around, too," Kloempkin said.

Thousands will watch as athletes race down the icy course in January 2013, but Jason's attention will also be on the crowd.

"Hopefully, it'll be a lot smoother than last year," he said.

Red Bull released a statement saying they continue to hold and attend neighborhood meetings to address any and all concerns regarding the upcoming event. They also addressed Crespin's complaint, and have agreed to reimburse him for his damage.

Last year, Red Bull did provide residents with offsite parking – which will be provided again this year.

Residents can email any questions or concerns about the event to derrick@hangmanproductions.com.