Sales of WEG tickets reach 123,000

Kentucky.com

Thursday, Oct. 08, 2009



About 123,000 tickets have been sold to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games since they went on sale Sept. 25, organizers announced Thursday.

That means roughly one-third of the Games' ticket budget has been met, said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games Foundation, which is putting on the event at the Kentucky Horse Park next year. Previously, the foundation has set $30 million as the goal for ticket sales.

"The outlook is very positive," he said. Ticket buyers are coming from all 50 states and 40 countries. A more detailed demographic breakdown will be available in a few months, he said. The ticket sales have also prompted more sales of hospitality packages, which are a combination of tickets and VIP accommodations.

In other Games' news:

■Several Games' employees will travel to Copenhagen next month to report to the International Equestrian Federation on the Games' progress.

■The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation will contribute funding towards building a veterinary diagnostic center, which will remain in place after the Games. It will be used to diagnose problems before horses are taken to veterinary facilities around Lexington.

■Marketing director Terry Johnson reported that 80 percent of the sponsorship budget has been reached, and 60 percent of the spots in the trade show have been sold.

■The test event for the 100-mile endurance race will be held on Oct. 14. Test events have already been held for reining, vaulting and carriage driving.