2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Spectators Can Experience All Kentucky Has To Offer

April 13, 2010

LEXINGTON, KY - This fall, visitors from around the world will get a chance to experience all the sights, sounds and tastes that Kentucky has to offer during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, without ever leaving the Kentucky Horse Park.

"Our goal is to immerse visitors in all that is Kentucky so that before they return home, or the next time they travel, they won’t be able to resist seeing the real thing," said Mike Cooper, Kentucky's Commissioner of Travel & Tourism.

While the primary focus of the 2010 Games is eight world championships in equestrian sport, spectators from around the world will be able to enjoy The Kentucky Experience, which will present the multitude of Kentucky cultural, historical and artistic features that make the Bluegrass State such a unique and special place among the world's travel destinations.

Located at the Kentucky Horse Park and grounds of the Games from September 25 through October 10, The Kentucky Experience is a major exposition that will feature the nine tourism regions of the Commonwealth, from the lakes in the west, to the mountains in the east, and even to the caves and Corvettes in the south.

The Kentucky Experience will have three Pavilions to entice visitors. The first stop, though, is The Kentucky Experience Welcome Center. At the Welcome Center, visitors will get a dose of Kentucky hospitality as hosts will provide a list of daily events and provide information on each region represented.

Next, walk through the regions of Kentucky and experience the Bluegrass State in the Exhibit Pavilion. Images, artifacts and audio will combine to present a virtual tour of the Commonwealth. From Ali to Colonel Sanders, horses to houseboats, artists to aquariums, and so much more, the Exhibit Pavilion will present an unbridled Kentucky experience.

The Kentucky Product Pavilion is designed give visitors a taste of Kentucky, literally. Local bourbon distillers will be on hand to show (and let you sample!) the bourbon distilling process, in addition to local wineries and wine tastings. Kentucky ales will also be featured. Visitors will also be able to taste a selection of Kentucky Proud products, such as beer cheese and bourbon balls. Beautiful handmade Kentucky folk crafts and world-famous art will be on display and even available for purchase.

Follow the sounds to the Entertainment Pavilion, where performances will be occurring throughout the Games, all by Kentucky artists. Kentucky is well known for its Bluegrass and Country artists, and will be found at the entertainment pavilion, but so too will the full array and diversity of talent that resides in Kentucky.

The Welcome Center and pavilions will surround a beautiful Kentucky courtyard garden designed by nationally known master gardener and Rockastle County native, Jon Carloftis.

See it, experience it... The Kentucky Experience!

Access to the The Kentucky Experience will be available with a Grounds Pass or a competition ticket. Grounds Pass ticket sales begin April 16 at 10 a.m. at www.alltechfeigames.com, www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, and at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will be on sale at a promotional rate of $20 until May 31. Grounds Pass tickets will be priced at $25 after that time. All children 12 years of age and under will be granted free entry with a paying adult.

For more information, visit www.alltechfeigames.com and www.thekentuckyexperience.com