By M.R. Kropko
The Associated Press

CLEVELAND - Organizers of the 2003 Gravity Games already are talking about the event returning to Cleveland.

"This is one of the great events. We're talking about sports and music and lifestyles," Mayor Jane Campbell said Wednesday. "You can watch what these people do, and you're stunned at what's possible."

The mayor acknowledged that having a teenage daughter helps with her own enthusiasm for skateboarding, biking and in-line skating, among the high-flying competitions in the fifth annual Gravity Games to be held Sept. 10-14 on temporary facilities along Cleveland's lakefront.

A skateboarding park being set up behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will remain as a permanent city park, the mayor said.

The tickets this year cost $12 for a one-day admission, $40 for a pass for all five days. Two hours of the final day will be broadcast live on NBC. There will be six taped broadcasts on ensuing weekends.

The first three Gravity Games were free to spectators in Providence, R.I., with admission being charged for the first time a year ago in Cleveland. Planners projected possible attendance of 250,000, but were satisfied with the final turnout of 162,000.

The Gravity Games had a two-year contract with Cleveland, and could have chosen to come back any year through 2005. The event came back sooner rather than later.

"It is a possibility that we would come back to Cleveland again," said Wade Martin, Gravity Games general manager. "It's not a necessity for us to move it around. I think if we can find the right venue in the right market that we would consider staying there, and for a lot of reasons I think Cleveland fits that bill."

Martin said the Gravity Games are in discussions with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission about extending their deal.

The commission exists to bring various sporting events to the city. The Gravity Games is one of its triumphs, said David Gilbert, commission president.

A year ago, planners weren't sure what kind of crowd would appear, Gilbert said.

"I think everybody was surprised, very happy at what a family event this turned out to be," Gilbert said. "If people were expecting a lot of body piercings and tattoos, it wasn't like that. It was like a crowd you would see at Six Flags on any day."