Welcome Ceremony

As race week begins, the XTERRA Family is invited to gather for an evening that celebrates connection, culture, and three decades of XTERRA history. Set in the heart of Ruidoso, the Opening Ceremony blends local cuisine, live entertainment, and words of welcome from the XTERRA team and host community.

More than just a welcome, this moment marks the beginning of a milestone edition of the XTERRA World Championship—30 years in the making. It is a chance to pause, share stories, and honor the path that brought each athlete here, as the global community comes together to write the next chapter.

Program Overview

17:00–19:00 | Athlete Buffet & Dining Experience

The evening opens with a Chuck Wagon Dinner—an authentic Western-style dining experience featuring open-fire cooking inspired by traditional cattle drives. Guests will enjoy a relaxed, communal meal served outdoors, with rustic grilled meats and seasonal sides. Main course options include chicken, steak, or a grilled mushroom “steak” for vegetarian guests.

The athlete buffet is complimentary for XTERRA World Championship triathletes, with additional dinner tickets available for friends and family. Details for guest tickets coming soon.

During dinner, guests will enjoy live Western Swing music from Acoustic Gap, a northern New Mexico trio known for blending Western Swing, Jazz, Bluegrass, and Americana into a soulful and diverse sound.

18:30 | Opening Ceremony Program Begins

The on-stage program opens with a formal welcome from the XTERRA team and host community, setting the tone for an evening of reflection and celebration. Athletes from around the world will be recognized for their journey to this milestone championship, honoring both personal achievement and the collective spirit of the XTERRA community.

The ceremony will reflect on 30 years of XTERRA history—highlighting the people, places, and moments that have shaped the sport—while also looking ahead to the future of off-road racing. Through brief remarks, storytelling, and acknowledgements, the program brings athletes and community together in a shared moment of gratitude, connection, and anticipation for the racing ahead.

19:30–21:30 | Phil Hamilton Band

The evening concludes with a performance by Texas-based artist Phil Hamilton Band. A fixture on the Texas and red dirt music scene for nearly two decades, Phil Hamilton is a singer/songwriter and festival founder known for his authentic storytelling and high-energy performances.

He has earned multiple No. 1 Texas Radio Chart singles and appeared on The Texas Music Scene TV, while sharing stages with artists including Cody Jinks, Turnpike Troubadours, Whiskey Myers, and Kris Kristofferson. He continues to tour widely across Texas and the U.S., with recent releases including new singles and an acoustic EP.