I believe the ridiculous kid numbers. All you have to do is walk past the Breyer “stadium fence” arena to see a bagillion kids pretending to be a showjumper. 
And today’s eventing dressage was practically empty; we moved to some SWEET seats. Makes me super glad we bought the “cheap seats” so we could move to the “really expensive” seats!!
My husband asked why didn’t I go. He was disappointed and thought I missed out on a great opportunity. Then I told him it would be about $2K with tickets, hotel, food and travel (me + daughters). He wasn’t so disappointed.
Just too expensive. They priced themselves out of the market. I have been to Rolex a few times and think it is crazy to pay double or triple for the same hotel room. I will put this $ towards our family vacation next year.
All in all it is a bad showing for the US to not have the stands full. The quality of horses is amazing and they should have made the event more affordable.
Is it mostly Americans as spectators at WEG?? Or do you see lots of people from Europe, UK, and other countries???/
[QUOTE=Regal Grace;5129510]
I was just looking at a picture of the grandstand area on the 2010 Radio Show FB page and the crowds look so sparse epecially for beautiful day. I know Thursday is work day but but it looks like there are less people on a Dressage Thursday at WEG than a Thursday Dressage day at Rolex. Kind of sad given WEG is not likely to come back to the USA again.
I do think the organizers and the hotels shot themsleves in the foot when they did not rethink there pricing sooner as the economy tanked. I never commited to it because of the prices for the hotel and having to travel from the Northeast to KY. The only reason I am going to WEG XC day is because I manage to get a really low airfare from NYC on Friday night to CVG as well as a hotel nearby. Just going to get a good nights rest and head out early to KHP in my rental car and spend the day and early eve at WEG and drive back to CVG and then fly out Sunday morning. Would LOVE to have spent more time at WEG and strongly I agree with what Evenstar said:
“Between the original ticket prices being so high and the hotel prices, a lot of people were discouraged, and by the time they started lowering prices, it was too late.”
It’s a shame so many seats went empty and it KILLS me that I am not sitting in one of them right now!![/QUOTE]
Today the main grandstand was pretty full, and the portable grandstands were each about 1/3 full. I personally think it was a pretty good turnout for eventing dressage.
The shopping area is packed too.
[QUOTE=Nomoreusernames;5130128]
School children free while pricing those most interested in attending out??? Just not right, sorry.[/QUOTE]
The schoolkids are not getting to watch the competition - they are going to the Equine Village and the various displays and the Kid Zone, where they can watch the acts from the Opening Ceremonies, see a bunch of kids ride haflingers in costume, and the like.
Oh, and my favorite unexpected sight is a cutting horse machine, like those horses out in front of the supermarket or one of those portable rides they have at a county fair. Every fair should have one.
[QUOTE=War Admiral;5129575]
This. And it’s particularly annoying that the official site can’t even be bothered updating live scores, posting ride times, etc. I mean, I would have GLADLY volunteered to go sit in the press box and do it! :lol:
But I did come over to say that today’s Reining session is sold out - which means that interestingly it’s the fans of “traditional” disciplines who aren’t showing up!
I won’t have today’s official attendance figures until tomorrow a.m. though.[/QUOTE]
The Dressage Freestyle tomorrow is sold out also.
[QUOTE=Nomoreusernames;5130128]
School children free while pricing those most interested in attending out??? Just not right, sorry.[/QUOTE]
I hope you realize that all of those 52k school children entered with a paid ticket. As did all of the college students “free with ID”. Donations from feed industry partners paid for every single “free” ticket.
Numbers will be high this weekend and next weekend for sure. I’m really proud of how WEG turned out and think they have done a great job with it. All of this belly aching is getting old-either go and enjoy it or don’t. Its that simple.
I had a great time there today. The shuttle from the hotel was easy and on time, the driver and volunteer at the hotel were friendly, the bus was comfortable and the trip not too long. The buses drop you off 5 min walk from the trade fair which was open right at 8 like advertised. The stadium was less than a 10 min walk from the trade fair- we walked back and forth all day. Every single volunteer was smiling, welcoming and friendly. The stands were decently full for Thursday eventing dressage- I’ll bet they are even more full tomorrow. It was a beautiful sunny day watching beautiful horses. Sure the food was expensive but everything I got actually tasted great- the prices weren’t any different than any amusement park, so about what I expected. The trade fair was not so packed that you couldn’t get into the stores. I expect Saturday to be nuts so I’m glad I shopped today! I can’t wait to see the xc course, the Head of the Lake looked fun!
SimpsoMatt, I think the figures are “through the gate” but I will ask.
You know, I see no point in all this “bashing” and oh look, “no body in the stands”. Really - 
Numero uno - this is not an 'equestrian" country. We haven’t done well advertising equestrian sports at any time to the “general” public unless a “bet” is involved - and even then, there are struggles ie track closures.
Numero due - y’all who didn’t/can’t go? - bless the live feed! Some of us planned years in advance, saved the money and yes, have dealt with the fact that the economy has changed. Still, event of a lifetime for some of us.
Numero tre - we are a country that ADORES finals - but good god, watch the team through the year going to the World Series, or SuperBowl??? - gad, no, that’s for diehards 
I can’t wait. I don’t give a flying F how many are in the stands - the good news is that I will be in the stands - watching every single jumper class, and the driving too. I am so excited.
[QUOTE=Jersey Fresh;5130433]
I hope you realize that all of those 52k school children entered with a paid ticket. As did all of the college students “free with ID”. Donations from feed industry partners paid for every single “free” ticket.
Numbers will be high this weekend and next weekend for sure. I’m really proud of how WEG turned out and think they have done a great job with it. All of this belly aching is getting old-either go and enjoy it or don’t. Its that simple.[/QUOTE]
I’ll add and say this is a great opportunity to offer to KY children (some of whom would never, ever in their wildest dreams have the chance to go WEG let alone have the finances to be around horses) a real positive experience with horses/ the equestrian world. Good on the Common Wealth, I say. I’m personally looking forward to the show jumping next week. I’ve got tickets for the whole week, and I dare say if eventing is starting to pick up in turnout then so will the showjumping.
[QUOTE=3Dogs;5130526]
You know, I see no point in all this “bashing” and oh look, “no body in the stands”. Really -
Numero uno - this is not an 'equestrian" country. We haven’t done well advertising equestrian sports at any time to the “general” public unless a “bet” is involved - and even then, there are struggles ie track closures.
Numero due - y’all who didn’t/can’t go? - bless the live feed! Some of us planned years in advance, saved the money and yes, have dealt with the fact that the economy has changed. Still, event of a lifetime for some of us.
Numero tre - we are a country that ADORES finals - but good god, watch the team through the year going to the World Series, or SuperBowl??? - gad, no, that’s for diehards
I can’t wait. I don’t give a flying F how many are in the stands - the good news is that I will be in the stands - watching every single jumper class, and the driving too. I am so excited.[/QUOTE]
Yes, it’s not an equestrian country. All the more reason to make it accessible to the masses.
So happy for you that you scrimped and saved to go to WEG. I thought of doing that but decided to invest in a good quality flat screen TV instead. As a result I probably have a better view of the action.
Some baseball fans ( NYC) are out there every game, depends on the venue.
uno, dos,tres. Is that what you meant? If not, as a reference what language were you using?
This is not an 'equestrian" country.
I’m not taking any joy in the lower then expected numbers although I am miffed in the greed by all levels of commerce in Lexington, et al.
Forget about the Nation, rather Kentucky and Lexington in particular has a rich interest in horse sport. The numbers WEG is getting per day is not unrivaled - with little hype - for other horse sport activities.
Rolex has been consistently pulling in 65k+ (total) for the 3-Day rain or shine for years. Keeneland pulls in great numbers for their Spring and Fall meets (20k a day/ave), the steeplechase at the horse park draws 10k+ , and so forth.
So to jack up the hotel fees and event tickets just seems like a grab that is unnecesary and will only hurt the final numbers. Had everything been kept reasonable the market would easily have been there and the projections achieved.
Just my opinion.
yes, right S A McKee - just like the baseball fans. Only no one comes on boards about baseball and tries to make it so miserable FOR those fans who go to every game.
Glad you bought a big screen TV and glad you think you will have better view. Really - very happy for you! Maybe you could be gracious to those who have chosen to actually go and think THAT is a thrill.
Sorry, I find it sad there are so many “nattering nabobs of negativism” here about WEG.
Those who don’t need or want a big plasma screen TV: yeah for us too! I put my money away for the live action - terrific - you prefer your couch and a TV - terrific. I am sure you and I will both enjoy!
But, fyi
it is Italian - not Spanish
[QUOTE=S A McKee;5130581]
Yes, it’s not an equestrian country. All the more reason to make it accessible to the masses.
So happy for you that you scrimped and saved to go to WEG. I thought of doing that but decided to invest in a good quality flat screen TV instead. As a result I probably have a better view of the action.
Some baseball fans ( NYC) are out there every game, depends on the venue.
uno, dos,tres. Is that what you meant? If not, as a reference what language were you using?[/QUOTE]
You know, I was out there today and I have to say there seemed to be a lot of people having a good time. Not many in the stands, perhaps, but truth be told, it was hot today and eventing dressage isn’t the most riveting phase of the sport. On the other hand, the fans on site from multiple countries were enthusiastic to say the least.
Certainly was no stampede for the exit–if you weren’t watching dressage you were shopping for sure! And the day was JUST heating up for the reining freestyle when I left the HP at 4PM.
If you’re not here, for whatever reason, enjoy the broadcast or the DVDs. If you are, have a blast.
[QUOTE=morganpony86;5130264]
I believe the ridiculous kid numbers. All you have to do is walk past the Breyer “stadium fence” arena to see a bagillion kids pretending to be a showjumper.
And today’s eventing dressage was practically empty; we moved to some SWEET seats. Makes me super glad we bought the “cheap seats” so we could move to the “really expensive” seats!![/QUOTE]
not directed at you in particular
This really makes me mad. I paid a lot for my tickets, and it doesn’t seem fair that those who didn’t get to sit next to me. I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same thing with 100% certainty, but it still ain’t right. If anyone makes a move on my seat at showjumping… I might kill them. Seriously, I was up at midnight to get my ticket 
[QUOTE=3Dogs;5130634]
Glad you bought a big screen TV and glad you think you will have better view. Really - very happy for you! Maybe you could be gracious to those who have chosen to actually go and think THAT is a thrill.
Sorry, I find it sad there are so many “nattering nabobs of negativism” here about WEG.
But, fyi
it is Italian - not Spanish[/QUOTE]
It’s just that you insist on telling us ( and have for weeks ) that you are going to the games and have wads of $$ to do that. It gets old.
I made no comment about the attendence. To refresh your memory I commented that the games are not accessible to the masses because of prices. And that’s too bad. This was an opportunity to promote equestrian sport in the USA.
However, I just noticed that NBC is expanding their coverage on Sunday. I think two additional hours for me to enjoy from the comfort of my living room. AQHA sent an email about the expanded coverage.
I didn’t guess Italian because this is the USA. A simple one,two,three would have sufficed. ( pet peeve, we live in the USA so speak English please)
Oh yeah, no where did I say ‘plasma TV’ or ’ big screen TV’. Those are your words.
Hope you dont get any more bad weather in KY. Enjoy the games.
[QUOTE=HER;5130477]
I had a great time there today. The shuttle from the hotel was easy and on time, the driver and volunteer at the hotel were friendly, the bus was comfortable and the trip not too long. The buses drop you off 5 min walk from the trade fair which was open right at 8 like advertised. The stadium was less than a 10 min walk from the trade fair- we walked back and forth all day. Every single volunteer was smiling, welcoming and friendly. The stands were decently full for Thursday eventing dressage- I’ll bet they are even more full tomorrow. It was a beautiful sunny day watching beautiful horses. Sure the food was expensive but everything I got actually tasted great- the prices weren’t any different than any amusement park, so about what I expected. The trade fair was not so packed that you couldn’t get into the stores. I expect Saturday to be nuts so I’m glad I shopped today! I can’t wait to see the xc course, the Head of the Lake looked fun![/QUOTE]
This.
I had a great time. GP Special, the main stands were full, and other stands half full - that is really a lot of people. Gotta realize the cameras are facing out away from the main stands. I think a lot of tickets were paid for way in advance and not used, for all the usual reasons. In 4 days, not one unfriendly person, and LOTS of foreigners. Lots of Lexington non-horsey volunteers trying their darndest to be helpful. The coordination and planning there was impressive.
Need to bump up the equestrain world -in the united states more -like said before -football baseball etc -and see how it goes…
Attendance Thursday was 34,211.
And it IS thru the main gate, SimpsoMatt.
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