The City of Sarasota and Bill Wagy Productions, Inc. are sponsoring a free Jake Ilardi Watch Party during the Olympic Games Tokyo skateboard competition on Saturday, July 24, at Payne Park's grass amphitheater next to the skate park, 2010 Adams Lane in downtown Sarasota.

A live pre-show, hosted by Bill Wagy and Benny Ray, begins at 7:30 pm and includes a special preview of a documentary being created by Ilardi's twin brother Nate and Ringling College graduate Liam Jordan. The NBC Sports broadcast of the semifinal competition will be shown on a huge outdoor screen beginning at 8:00 pm. There will be a 45-minute break followed by the finals between 10:30 pm and 11:00 pm.

Ilardi grew up in Osprey, Florida, and attended Laurel Nokomis School and Venice High School. He perfected his skateboarding skills at Payne Skatepark and recently raised $15,000 to pay for a new quarter pipe at the park where he is practicing for the Olympics. This is the first year skateboarding has been included in the Olympic Games; Ilardi qualified for the US Olympic Team at the recent World Championships in Rome, Italy, and is one of 20 skaters in the semifinals. Eight skaters will advance to the finals.

This is an outdoor, family-friendly, non-alcohol event. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. There will be contests to win Jake Ilardi skateboards and a private skateboard lesson with Ilardi. Café in the Park will be open along with Kona Ice Truck and Jarro Café Taco Truck. In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.