800 sportsmen and women, 900 horses, half a million visitors: The World Equestrian Games Aachen 2006 is taking on impressive dimensions. The tournament will kick off with a magnificent gala in the jumping stadium on August 20th. "The pre-sales for the opening ceremony are going very well," comments Michael Mronz, member and spokesman of the OC of the WEG. The planning of the opening ceremony started quite a while ago, the programme was presented in November. "Since this presentation there has been a real scramble for tickets," Mronz comments. The visitors are looking forward to experiencing World and Olympic Champions, equestrian sport legends of the past and of course horses, horses, horses.

Incidentally, the additional strain will not damage the grass at all. "The floor of the stadium was completely replaced last summer," explains OC member and show director, Frank Kemperman. This floor stands up very well to all possible demands. Information on the opening ceremony is available at www.aachen2006.de. Entry tickets can be ordered from the following ticket hotline: +49-(0)241-917-1111.