Gulp! Cost of WEG

[Cookiewoo]

My credit card statement arrived yesterday and the charge for the 2010 world games was $1760. This on top of $900 already paid in advance. I have two tickets for opening and all the show jumping. Now I just need a place to stay. Wonder how much that will cost? I realize this is a once in a lifetime event, but does it seems a little steep? I did opt for the best seats, but I think the lesser seats were not much less.

[Hunter Mom]

I'd just be glad to have the $2660 to spend on watching an event. Many don't.

[Cookiewoo]

Oh I'm pretty sure I'll have to have a garage sale!

[AKDragooPhoto]

I hope you are sitting IN the ring!

[Cookiewoo]

Not even close to the ring! Several rows back, not on an aisle. I waited two-three days after the message to select seats and I guess others were quicker on the computer than I.

[S A McKee]

WEG site says tickets don't go on sale till 9/25
That site give total price for best seats for the events you described as
$1740 not $2660
Less expensive seats come to $ 1250

[Cookiewoo]

Should have said I bought two tickets. That would mean the lesser ticket amounts would be $2500 (2 X 1250.) There was an early sign up last year from the USHJA website (if I remember correctly) which allowed a pre-buy. Opening ceremony (2) tickets added $300 to cost. I am not complaining much, just commenting. I have not been to a World Cup event (Las Vegas) nor any other Olympic type events, this seemed too good to pass up but perhaps I have buyer's remorse? I plan to go and have fun no matter what the cost.

[dghunter]

I'm super jealous that you get to go! My Mom and I were going to go but it's my 21st birthday next year and our family has a tradition of meeting in Las Vegas once or twice a year (we're all spread out over the US lol) so we're doing that instead.

Hope you have lots of fun and I hope everyone who goes posts pictures and such!

[Lucassb]

I went to the WEG a number of years ago when it was in Jerez, Spain. It was an amazing trip! For me, part of the attraction was the opportunity to vacation in Spain and to do some sightseeing in addition to the WEG itself but even with the additional activities, it was much less expensive than the prices that I saw quoted for KY. (Granted we got an exceptional deal through some friends who put a tour together for the event, and several of us shared condo-type accommodations.)

[Vitriolic]

I am not complaining much, just commenting. I have not been to a World Cup event (Las Vegas) nor any other Olympic type events, this seemed too good to pass up but perhaps I have buyer's remorse? I plan to go and have fun no matter what the cost.

Here's some creative math to help you squash that "Oh, what have I done" feeling. Say you are 26 years old and as you say, have never had a chance to see something like this live. Well don't think of the cost as $2600, but a mere $100 per year. If you really want to improve it, think you likely won't do it again for 26 more years, and it will be only $50 per year. Pretty cheap for what will be spectacular. ;) Have fun and don't worry too much! :)

[Cookiewoo]

Thanks Vit. At the rate you suggested, one ticket works out to $10.25...I feel so much better! All that jumping for five days for $2 a day.

[Larksmom]

at my age anyway, [just turned 56]. But, I am more of an eventer, and have been to several WCs. I haven't been to KHP in twenty years, and have really looking forward to this for years. But like most of the country, I am in a severe financial downturn. I have a crappy -just pay the bills no frills job-and this event is a definite frills. I really really want to go, but at the moment, unless I win the lottery [which I don't play:no:,] I don't see me getting to go.
I went to Australia in '86 for about 10 days, whenIwas still living on credit cards. I think it was about 3400 bucks or so, but that was a tour with everything included. That was hideously expensive at the time. I hope they sell a lot of tickets, but I am afraid they won't be selling to me...

[Coreene]

$71 million to put on WEG, and if they sold each ticket the revenue from that would be approximately $30 million. It's a big fat financial fiasco just waiting to happen. WEG should have stayed in a country where the potential sponsor base is much more realistic in relation to equestrian sports.

[kellidahorsegirl]

The prices are really horrendous. Two years ago (I think) when I heard the WEG would be here in the US...I told my husband about it. He promised me that day that he would take me when it came here.

Well, its nearly here and I'm not saying a word :( I would LOVE to go and see this and be a part of it all, but I just canNOT allow myself to splurge that much......So I'll just sit here quietly and whine that I"m not there and hope there is excellent online footage of the events!

Congrats on your ticket purchases OP. You'll have to take lots of photos and videos and make a new thread when its over to showcase all you saw :)

[enjoytheride]

So what is the cheapest you can get in for? We'd like to go to shop basically for one day.

[kellidahorsegirl]

^I thought (from threads on here) that it was $25 admission for the day....

[faraway46]

I already made reservations at the Four Points Sheraton in Lex, Ky, very few mls from the KHP. They took the reservation for 115$ a day, tax included. All the B&B in Lex and surroundings were overpricing their rooms at twice and three times more than usual! I really had no hopes to get accomodations... just tried the Sheraton website for sake and there were rooms available (non smoking)!!!
I read that there's a chance to buy tickets now instead of Sept when they open the sales at Horse Park?? Do you know where I can buy them now??? I calculated about $800 a head (there's two of us) for all showjumping and closing ceremony...
If anybody knows where I can get tickets now and not wait till the box office opens, please PM me!!!
Thanks!

[S A McKee]

Should have said I bought two tickets. That would mean the lesser ticket amounts would be $2500 (2 X 1250.) There was an early sign up last year from the USHJA website (if I remember correctly) which allowed a pre-buy. Opening ceremony (2) tickets added $300 to cost. I am not complaining much, just commenting. I have not been to a World Cup event (Las Vegas) nor any other Olympic type events, this seemed too good to pass up but perhaps I have buyer's remorse? I plan to go and have fun no matter what the cost.

You did say two tickets and the prices I gave were for two tickets. And I included opening ceremonies. $1740 = 2 Price A tickets, $1250 = 2 price B tickets.
So maybe you want to change the name of the thread to "How I overpaid for
WEG" LOL

http://www.alltechfeigames.com/content.aspx?id=2728
Link to prices.

[Foxtrot's]

I'd settle for a consolation prize - like going to a test event (vaulting has just been on).
It is out of my range but I do love the idea of creative justification - us women are experts at that if it means enough to us. That was very clever reasoning.

[findeight]

$71 million to put on WEG, and if they sold each ticket the revenue from that would be approximately $30 million. It's a big fat financial fiasco just waiting to happen. WEG should have stayed in a country where the potential sponsor base is much more realistic in relation to equestrian sports.

Ummmm...already some glitches. They are starting to use the new Indoor but the adjacent barns are no where near done. The had to stick the reiners in the regular barns a couple of weeks ago, during an H/J show. Heard they did not even have any speakers for them to keep up with the classes inside or progress in the order. Still little or no progress getting these barns finished. One is framed and roofed but nothing done inside. Two others are sitting half framed, no visable work going on there...and one would think there would be more then 3? They look to be double inside aisle but are not that big.

There is a H/J show booked there in about 10 weeks-that's when it's cold here. They are supposed to be done for those people. I'd hate to be hoofing it 1/4 mile in the cold rain just to see where they are inside then go back to get the horses.

Some rumors about financing too. Nothing concrete but somewhat disconcerting.

And, yeah, those hotels will be coming down when they figure out half the civilized world is not beating a path to this thing.

[JBTheBest]

I have to respectfully disagree with you find8, most of my friends have already bought their tickets and we are all very excited, first time in the USA and all, we may not have another opportunity in our lifetime to see this on US soil again. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

We were there showing the 2 weeks before pony finals and I can't imagine that all that construction won't be finished, they still have plenty of time.

I think it will be sold out no problem.

[Wizard of Oz's]

I'll be going to college in lexington and i'm working this year through my first year of college just to go. I can't be meer miles away from all of that and not go, it would kill me lol. So I'll be ditching sleep this semester so I can work for the tickets. my parents were appalled when they saw the prices (they're not horse people), so i guess I won't be getting an early christmas gift...:winkgrin:

[M. O'Connor]

$71 million to put on WEG, and if they sold each ticket the revenue from that would be approximately $30 million. It's a big fat financial fiasco just waiting to happen. WEG should have stayed in a country where the potential sponsor base is much more realistic in relation to equestrian sports.

WEG is the type of event where the draw is not just "local" to the host country, so the sponsor base isn't by any means restricted to domestic businesses. Ticket sales alone never offset the expense of running such an endeavor; that is part of the formula that needs to be taken into account when submitting a bid.

When KY won the bid for WEG our sponsor base here was very healthy and the economy was going strong; at least equestrian sports are populated at the top by those who have felt a minimal impact from the downturn, even if some are feeling a pinch in having to cough up the funds for tickets (I didn't even attempt to get any--if I go I will have to be on the volunteer list).

Keep in mind that tickets will go on sale world wide, and if the dollar stays weak, traveling here will offer a good value.

(If someone was smart, there would be a select sale featuring the best North American-bred horses; is this in the works?)

[SilverBalls]

WEG is the type of event where the draw is not just "local" to the host country.
Keep in mind that tickets will go on sale world wide, and if the dollar stays weak, traveling here will offer a good value.

(If someone was smart, there would be a select sale featuring the best North American-bred horses; is this in the works?)

Excellent idea!!! That would be awesome!

[WorthTheWait95]

I already made reservations at the Four Points Sheraton in Lex, Ky, very few mls from the KHP. They took the reservation for 115$ a day, tax included. All the B&B in Lex and surroundings were overpricing their rooms at twice and three times more than usual! I really had no hopes to get accomodations... just tried the Sheraton website for sake and there were rooms available (non smoking)!!!
Thanks!

We stayed at the 4 points sheraton for the KY Summer AA H/J shows and it was $99/night for each room so at least they aren't inflating their prices too much. I had never stayed there before (we usually try and save a buck and stay at la quinta :eek:) but it was really nice. They had just done a bunch of remodeling and each room had free bottled water and free coffee every day.

[Cookiewoo]

Must confess to "horseheimers" in my post concerning the cost and number of tickets. However, I was led to believe that my $900 deposit was HALF the cost of the eventual price. According to the original offer, the only option for a deposit was based on the price of the most expensive tickets. I figured if I paid half the cost of the most expensive, the most I would be obligated for later would be another $900. That's why I was so amazed at the final cost. I can only think they did not credit me for my deposit (though I have an email that has that information) and you can bet I have a message to them and am waiting a reply. (But not holding my breath.) The ticketing is through Ticketmaster, and since they have my email address, I am continually bombarded with useless information regarding concerts and other special events in addition to the WEG. There is also a $20 "handling" fee (don't forget they've had my $900 for nearly a year...) which brought the total from the $1740 quoted by one poster to the $1760 total.
Thanks for the message about the 4 Points Sheraton. I like that hotel and stay there whenever I go to the Horse Park.

[JinxyFish313]

The ticket prices are insane. Even $25 for admission seems silly. My boyfriend's family lives in Louisville so we'll crash there and pay the daily admission rate for a day or two. Don't think I can justify the cost of seats and the shopping is probably more entertaining anyway.

[magnolia73]

Don't think I can justify the cost of seats and the shopping is probably more entertaining anyway.

I find it really weird to pay $25 for the "experience" of going..... shopping. Probably with Ticketmaster and parking it is closer to $50 a day for the privilege of shopping. I guess you get to see a lot of vendors, but then you can at Rolex, QH Congress etc. as well.

[JinxyFish313]

I find it really weird to pay $25 for the "experience" of going..... shopping. Probably with Ticketmaster and parking it is closer to $50 a day for the privilege of shopping. I guess you get to see a lot of vendors, but then you can at Rolex, QH Congress etc. as well.

I enjoy the atmosphere at the Park, and I imagine the WEG atmosphere will be pretty cool on top of that. Plus, its not like you don't get to see anything without a seat.

[LSM1212]

The ticket prices are insane. Even $25 for admission seems silly. My boyfriend's family lives in Louisville so we'll crash there and pay the daily admission rate for a day or two. Don't think I can justify the cost of seats and the shopping is probably more entertaining anyway.

Rolex is $20/day admission. At least that's what it was when I went back in 2005. Then add in parking. And then extra if you wanted a seat.

So $25/day admission isn't too bad, really.

I think I'll go on XC day. LOL I think it was $40 for the day... or something like that.

And I live in Louisville.... so only an hour or so away.

But I still can't justify the cost of buying tickets to one of the disciplines.

[magnolia73]

Plus, its not like you don't get to see anything without a seat.

I thought all the venues, except obviously XC were closed?If I could go for $25 and stand and catch a few show jumping trips or a dressage ride, live, not on a TV, I'd go- even stay with the in-laws. But I read it as you had to buy tickets to the disciplines to get to see anything.

[findeight]

Guessing that any discipline tickets that are not sold, get bought but never paid for (bad CC#s) or from those that cancel may be offered at a later date for less.

There are those who are unaffected by the economy but this is a world wide recession Right now, advance international flight bookings are down a staggering 60% for the next 4 months compared to last year...when they were already slipping-even Asia- according to the industry group that moniters these things.

Unless there is a huge and unforseen turn around world wide, I cannot see the huge numbers originally forecast. Big, yeah. No hotel rooms for 150 miles as was being touted this time last year...NOT.

Oh, and I was just in Lex for PF and paid MORE then the major chain mid priced hotel I was at is contemplating offering WEG rooms for..

[ReSomething]

I'm wondering if they'll get it all done in time too, especially the road improvements that are in the works to really mess up some of my usual routes to work and shopping in Lex.

Had a letter to the editor in the Herald Leader from a somewhat disgruntled KHP visitor last week - evidently the website parking price was listed as $3 and turned out to be $5 (also a surprise for me when I drove in for a horse show in April or thereabouts, I was expecting change and didn't get any), and the price for his famly to visit was IIRC about $5 more than he expected to pay (again based on the website prices). The letter asked why the discrepancy and how does the KHP expect to be able to handle the WEG if they can't keep up on their public information site.

A little more interesting news - the Sunset Motel, a 1940's vintage motor court, mentioned in another thread recently as the closest to the KHP, is featured in the Herald Leader today as having been sold out of the family and has been cleaned and refurbished a little. If you can afford the WEG it probably isn't your cup of tea but for those looking to save a dollar here and there it might be worth checking out.

Personally I'm not planning to go to WEG, the pricing schedule is far too confusing and with my employer closing facilities I'm a little worried about my finances.

[JinxyFish313]

I thought all the venues, except obviously XC were closed?If I could go for $25 and stand and catch a few show jumping trips or a dressage ride, live, not on a TV, I'd go- even stay with the in-laws. But I read it as you had to buy tickets to the disciplines to get to see anything.
I don't know how that would be possible. I've never been to a horse show where it was impossible to see anything without buying a seat, even when dealing with an indoor arena. Hell, I even enjoy watching GP riders warm up and school. From a trainer/rider perspective I often actually find the warm up ring much more interesting than the class.

[3Dogs]

For me, once in a lifetime opportunity, have my tickets, putting away a little a month to pay for it :yes: and a select sale of US horses? - there's a neat concept ! Do they have any sales linked to WEG of the past?

[Cookiewoo]

A message from Ticketmaster telling me I had a $900 credit which my CC company had already applied. Now I have enough left for a room!

[findeight]

The sale is a great idea but....FEI runs WEG. You would need to go thru them and coordinate the schedual so it first fits the WEG calendar. Don't think that's going to be easy if it's even possible. Bet that whoever wants to host or coordinate the sale would have to ante up to put the name WEG along with it or even share the grounds when they have exclusive use locked up.

I just hope the funding does not run out before the construction does. They are counting on alot of private funding and...well...everybody is feeling the pinch. At least one has already cut and run. The state has some ultra ambitious road plans around the park...and they are screaming tax revenues are way under what was forecast, even for simply running the state let alone new contruction.

[ddashaq]

Rolex is $20/day admission. At least that's what it was when I went back in 2005. Then add in parking. And then extra if you wanted a seat.

So $25/day admission isn't too bad, really.

I think I'll go on XC day. LOL I think it was $40 for the day... or something like that.

And I live in Louisville.... so only an hour or so away.

But I still can't justify the cost of buying tickets to one of the disciplines.

That is my plan too-- shopping and XC day. I live 10 minutes from the park but I can't justify the cost either.

[BAC]

A little more interesting news - the Sunset Motel, a 1940's vintage motor court, mentioned in another thread recently as the closest to the KHP, is featured in the Herald Leader today as having been sold out of the family and has been cleaned and refurbished a little. If you can afford the WEG it probably isn't your cup of tea but for those looking to save a dollar here and there it might be worth checking out.

Thanks for the update, I was one of the people who mentioned the Sunset.

[HJALO]

an option might be to sign up as a volunteer? I'm not sure what the selection process is for volunteers and I saw that you have to have experience for certain positions, but it might be worth a shot? I signed up via the website and the only thing I was qualified for was a gate position (lol) but you more experienced folks would probably have a better shot at the good stuff. :) Might be a cheaper option if you make the cut!

[findeight]

If past events are any guide, volunteers will still be paying for their own parking and may not be admitted to certain venues unless they buy a ticket.

It's not an all access pass.

[Foxtrot's]

Let's face it - equestrianism is an elite sport at that level and priced accordingly. It is not supposed to be a venue for all the 'can't afford it' types (like me, unwilling to mortgage the house for a few days excitement). It is still a long way off and they will come.....

We have the winter Olympics in our back door here where we have property - we still did not get tickets. Partly because our early bird choices disappeared into cyberspace and we never heard back. Again, pricey for the likes of us - but concerts, opera, sporting events are all up there.

Meanwhile ... I'm off to buy hay and grain...

[AppleBird]

$515 (NOT INCLUDING "processing fees" or "shipping fees" via Ticketmaster) to buy the least expensive single ticket for each of the jumping competitions! What a rip-off. Plus, trying to navigate ticketmaster is incredibly frustrating. WEG is no longer on my 2010 calendar.

[huntr_eq_blonde]

Could any of you knowledgeable horse people tell me what would be a good, inexpensive hotel to stay at for the WEG. (When we go on any trips, whether it be out of the country or in the country, I never do any of the planning, etc. Since this is horse related, I'm on my own on this one. :uhoh:) I tried looking up some hotels, but the reservation dates didn't extend to October 2010. Any suggestions/ideas?

{My dad and I are driving down from Northern Illinois on Saturday, Oct 2...staying the night, bumming around on Sun, and going to both Speed Jumping events on Monday, Oct 4.}

[Giddy-up]

Could any of you knowledgeable horse people tell me what would be a good, inexpensive hotel to stay at for the WEG. (When we go on any trips, whether it be out of the country or in the country, I never do any of the planning, etc. Since this is horse related, I'm on my own on this one. :uhoh:) I tried looking up some hotels, but the reservation dates didn't extend to October 2010. Any suggestions/ideas?

{My dad and I are driving down from Northern Illinois on Saturday, Oct 2...staying the night, bumming around on Sun, and going to both Speed Jumping events on Monday, Oct 4.}

I would start just by putting in the city location of where you want to stay & start comparing hotel prices. Choice Hotels, Orbitz, Travelocity could be generic places to start searching to give you ideas of what hotels are located there & then go to individual websites for further info. :)

[huntr_eq_blonde]

Giddy-up...

I've already Googled, Orbitz-ed, and Travelocity-ed hotels. I have some hotels in mind, but when I go to put in a reservation online, the little calendar for reservations doesn't go to October 2010...it like maxes out around August 2010. Apparently, it doesn't go that far in advance. I'm starting to think I should call the specific hotels and make reservations that way...

Thanks though!
<3

[maudie]

I'm 200 or so in the hole. I wish I could go to all of the events, but I have to go to a silly thing called school! I'm shooting for 2016 Olympics, if they end up in Chicago.

[huntr_eq_blonde]

maudie:

I'm so with you about the 2016 Olympics and Chicago! I was so disappointed that they didn't get the 2012, as I heard that they would have the equestrian events near Temple Farms in Wadsworth, IL--which I live like 15 minutes from.

{And I must say that end of September through mid October is kind of an awkward time to hold an event that huge...don't the planners know that some of us have college/school:p}

[faraway46]

Giddy-up...

I've already Googled, Orbitz-ed, and Travelocity-ed hotels. I have some hotels in mind, but when I go to put in a reservation online, the little calendar for reservations doesn't go to October 2010...it like maxes out around August 2010. Apparently, it doesn't go that far in advance. I'm starting to think I should call the specific hotels and make reservations that way...

Thanks though!
<3

As I posted before, I went to the Sheraton main website and the calendar does go past Aug 2010.
I made reservations at the Lex Four Point Sheraton for $115/night about two-three months ago and the site took my credit card fine...
Viv

[Across Sicily]

Sure seems like the WEG is going to lose a lot of potential revenue by keeping its ticket prices so insanely high. I would have gone, but NO WAY am I paying that much, plus hotel and transportation... ugh.

Epic fail. If the horse people won't go, who will?

[2ndyrgal]

For all of dressage and all of eventing. Two precious tickets, and the big bonus is, for a small (comparatively) additional charge, you can park AT the KHP. I live about 40 minutes away and I don't do shuttle busses (claustraphobic and motion sickness). It was a huge investment, but I don't imagine that the WEG will be back in the states for oh, another 20 years or so, so I bit it and bought it. I'm volunteering for the driving test event this weekend, which is essential if you want to volunteer for the games, is to volunteer at the test events, sort of a dress rehersal if you will. So hopefully, I'll get to be a volunteer for the driving portion of the WEG2010.

Contruction projects are never on time, there's been quite a great deal of rain this summer, but I have no doubt that things will be in place next year. Nothing is ever perfect, Europe has been doing it quite a bit longer, and yes, they are more predominantly "horsey", but that doesn't mean we can't get it done.

Hell, they're going to raise taxes anyway, might as well be to put primo horse facilities near me as oposed to some of the other crap they do with my tax dollars.

[findeight]

Normally don't bump things up off page 2 but...

I was just down at the KHP speaking to a few vendors who were flabbergasted having just learned the organizers are wanting 10k to set up at the WEG.

NO campground available, NO staying in your trailer, only locations for shopping currently said to be inside the racetrack near the demonstration area and in the old indoor. Neither site at any of the competition venues or in a position to get any casual, walk thru traffic en route to a venue....probably not by where the shuttle buses drop off or where on site parkers will be walking thru.

They say they will not be able to do that, have to sell an awful lot with at least double their normal mark up to cover 10k and live in a hotel for 2 weeks.

They priced them out.