Honestly, I think this is a good move, the stress of moving horses back and forth, the arena is a better size. I can’t think of a downside. Wondering what y’all think?
As a local who often shows at PGEC I’m excited to hear that they’re moving there. Sounds like improvements are coming to the facility as part of the deal, and no driving into DC to watch the show now!
I do think parking may be an issue–not sure there’s much there other than the P&R lot–maybe the racetrack infield? There’s also not a lot around as far as food choices, whereas downtown you were rather spoiled for choice. I know they say they’re using National Harbor for hospitality, but that’s a drive away.
For the horses and those showing, it’s got to be a much better situation–bigger rings to warmup, no shipping back and forth, no need for 2AM schooling, no stabling for the day on the street.
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@JenEM Yes, PG definitely lacks some of the hospitality infrastructure that would complement the higher tier event they hope to run. I’m interested to see what comes of the National Harbor development. 20 minutes is doable, but it’s definitely not “take the metro down, have a nice dinner, and walk over to watch the Grand Prix.” More hotel options closer in to the equestrian center would also be nice.
I mean it’s only 20 min at like 2am. It can be over an hour easily.
I’m hoping they could do some catered, food trucks as well, I know its not the same as DC but there are some darn good food trucks out there.
Good point about parking. I’ve been to the center when they have like graduations and stuff, and it can be dicey.
You can create hospitality.
Yeah, it’s a shame from an entertainment standpoint… but I’ve personally found WIHS an absolutely miserable experience for humans and horses a like. This move makes me happy and greatly increases the likelihood I will actually spectate again.
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Good point about the traffic. I like your idea about the food trucks too!
My point is that this venue and the area have some room to grow to support a show of this type- but it sounds like the state and county are prepared to do the infrastructure work. I hope it pays off for the venue generally and for the area, without too much disruption for the people who live there. I always enjoyed showing at PG. The feeling of walking down that ramp into the Coliseum is as impressive as in any premier venue, I think! And so much better for the horses.
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From a spectator standpoint, it’s going to be challenging for people to get from DC and the Virginia suburbs, or Montgomery County, over to the PG Equestrian Center on a weeknight. Going to the Capital One Arena meant going AGAINST rush hour traffic, and you also had the option of metroing in.
Now, unless you live near, south or east of Upper Marlboro, you’ll have to battle DC rush hour traffic to get to WIHS for an evening.
This move definitely prioritizes the horses and exhibitors over the spectators. Which I agree with, if you have to make that choice. Especially since WIHS was not pulling in huge #s of spectators.
(ironically, I remember WIHS being much better attended, spectator-wise, when it was at the Cap Centre in the 1980s and 1990 then it was when in downtown DC at the Capital One Arena)
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I really hope that WIHS uses this as an opportunity to do some outreach to the local schools - something like free tickets and a presentation for kids in the PG county school system.
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When I lived in the area it was because my husband was stationed there and they gave a boat load of tickets to the army (Ft Belvoir) and Joint Base Andrews (Navy/AF) , of course no one wanted them, I was happy to snatch them up. So I can imagine they do others as well.
My understanding from second hand conversations about show planning there was that food trucks had previously not been allowed because food had to come through the county food vendors, ie the concession stand. I know that had changed at a few of the shows that ran this year where something like a kona ice truck came to a summer show. While I never even tried to get food at the concession stand this year, IIRC it wasn’t even open for some of the shows. Perhaps it will open the door to allowing third party contracted food vendors, which would be great.
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I’m pretty sure the food stand by the permanent barns was open at Capital Challenge, along with some other vendors set up by the tents in the infield.
I don’t remember the exact number of horses at Capital Challenge this year, although I believe it was at capacity. Maybe it was 1600? But I think that has to be more than they typically accept for Washington, so I would think they could figure out a way to work out the logistics for parking, etc.
Here are some relevant public documents to nudge your noggin in the right direction…
They haven’t released any “new” plans, in relation to this news, but what they plan on doing is along the lines of what you will read in those documents I posted above.
Agree with this. I’d be coming from the exact opposite side of the Metro area and can’t imagine making the drive for an evening’s event (as I have many times in the past).
