How will the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Mill Spring, NC, impact the Upstate?

Upstatebusinessjournal.com - Full Article

By Trevor Anderson - April 11, 2018

Upstate business leaders aren’t putting the cart before the horse, but they are champing at the bit to see what kind of impact one of the world’s largest equestrian events will have on the region.

The Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, N.C., will host the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG) Sept. 11-23.

TIEC officials said the event could attract more than 1,000 riders, 1,500 horses, and 500,000 spectators from 70 countries, and have a $400 million economic impact in Western North Carolina and the Upstate.

“We’re excited for our neighbors in Tryon [N.C.] to host the World Equestrian Games late this summer,” said John Lummus, president and CEO of Upstate SC Alliance. “While the core action will occur in North Carolina, the event’s location within the greater ‘Charlanta’ region is a great testament to the transportation connectivity, beautiful climate, and hospitable environment this area has to offer.

“We anticipate a great deal of eyes will be on Tryon and nearby communities like Asheville [N.C.], Greenville, Spartanburg, and the surrounding retreats. The event draws 500,000 attendees from throughout the globe,” Lummus added. “Because the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is the designated airport of entry for the games, we anticipate a great deal of economic impact as visitors explore our region’s additional amenities...”

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https://upstatebusinessjournal.com/how-will-the-2018-world-equestrian-games-in-mill-spring-nc-impact-the-upstate/