HITs Ocala show ground layout

[Secret_Dove]

I’m planning on going to Ocala for the Nations Cup in a few weeks with my Dad. I’ve never been there and from the google map overview it doesn’t look like a huge show grounds. One thing I’m concerned about is where parking is located. My Dad can’t walk far distances. I plan on trying to watch some hunter/jumper/equitation classes prior to the class. Where do spectators park? Are the main show grounds far from the stadium? I’m use to going to show grounds up north like Devon and Quentin that walking wasn’t a real issue. Hoping it’s the case here! From the overview it doesn’t look like a rated show, more of a local type of show. Kinda confused.

Thanks in advance!

[ladyj79]

There will really be parking. And it’s not a large show grounds. It’s very walkable.

[oreo_mom]

THere is plenty of parking. The grounds are 1 mile from end to end. Forget google maps when you come–ask FEDEX they don’t work in this area. Go to hitsshows.com for maps of the grounds and info on the grounds and Nations Cup events. It is not walkable for your Dad.

[rockonxox]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/cms-hits/fil…/FL_Map_17.pdf

That is from the HITS website: http://www.hitsshows.com/ocala/hits-ocala-winter-circuit

[Raine]

Had similar issue last year when my parents came to watch - they are in their 80s and active, but it was still a lot of walking. Happily, I was in Jumper 1 when they came to watch.

Not sure about parking by the stadium except for the trailer in area across 137th Ave in one of the areas labeled “paddocks” near the Grand Prix ring. Hate their map. Better to look at satellite view on Google maps. But it’s not the most spectator-friendly venue. If you park in trailer in area, there is a path along 137th where people walk and lead horses back and forth. Then cross the street before the warm-up area. Hopefully someone else has a better suggestion!

[Secret_Dove]

@Raine

Had similar issue last year when my parents came to watch - they are in their 80s and active, but it was still a lot of walking. Happily, I was in Jumper 1 when they came to watch.

Not sure about parking by the stadium except for the trailer in area across 137th Ave in one of the areas labeled “paddocks” near the Grand Prix ring. Hate their map. Better to look at satellite view on Google maps. But it’s not the most spectator-friendly venue. If you park in trailer in area, there is a path along 137th where people walk and lead horses back and forth. Then cross the street before the warm-up area. Hopefully someone else has a better suggestion!

So you can pretty much park anywhere where trailers are parked? The spectator entrance looks like it’s private farms on google maps. It’s confusing.

[Secret_Dove]

What’s the bath room situation? Porta pots like any other horse show?

[Raine]

I think it’s a free for all lol! The area I was thinking of is where us trailer-in folks park. I normally drove separately in my car and parked up along the fence behind the GP ring.

I also see a possible parking area right off 326 behind the stadium.

If if no one else chimes in, we are arriving there this coming Saturday and I can try to check it out vs. going by memory. Of course, I’d have to remember…at my age that’s a crap shoot lol. :winkgrin:

[snaffle635]

Since your dad can’t walk far distances, think about renting a golf cart for the day. Otherwise, I think you’re going to find it feels far for him. You can probably park near the stadium without too much trouble. But I’m not sure where you’d park close to the other show rings…most of them are in the middle of the racetrack. You could try parking near the jumper ring by the main entrance (near the office), or near the tents by the main hunter ring. I would vote for a golf cart.

[Sarah616]

Also take into consideration that the stadium is basically a bowl. You have to climb a hill to get to the bleachers where you can sit to watch. There are steps in a couple of places, but no hand rails that I remember.

[Secret_Dove]

@snaffle635

Since your dad can’t walk far distances, think about renting a golf cart for the day. Otherwise, I think you’re going to find it feels far for him. You can probably park near the stadium without too much trouble. But I’m not sure where you’d park close to the other show rings…most of them are in the middle of the racetrack. You could try parking near the jumper ring by the main entrance (near the office), or near the tents by the main hunter ring. I would vote for a golf cart.

I thought about getting a golf cart. Do you know how much they go for? I haven’t been to a horse show in many years so I don’t know how prices are but I’m sure they’re not cheap! If not a golf cart I’ll park close to the rings where all the action’s going on and then move the car close to the stadium before the class.

[Secret_Dove]

@Sarah616

Also take into consideration that the stadium is basically a bowl. You have to climb a hill to get to the bleachers where you can sit to watch. There are steps in a couple of places, but no hand rails that I remember.

I’ve never seen the stadium in person, only on live feed. Is it a steep hill? Just like a baby hill? Is there a way to get close to the ring to get good pictures, especially of jumps close to the rail?