(The following appeared in the Lexington Herald Leader on Sunday, July 25, 2010. Text by Cheryl Truman and Linda Blackford.)
How Much Will You Pay?
That's one of the primary Questions you may have about the WEG, more formally known as the Alltech World Equestrian Games.
Obviously, there are many price levels depending on what you do. We've put together three scenarios for different levels of participation in the Games at the Kentucky Horse Park,
taking place Sept. 25 through Oct. 10. Some are downright bargains; others will pamper you.
Basic Package: Public transit. grounds pass, one meal and a small souvenir:
Transportation: $2 round trip for the LexTran shuttle (add another $8 if you're parking in the LexTran garage while you hop the shuttle) $2
Grounds pass: $25 plus $5 Ticketmaster charge: $30
Food: You will not be allowed to bring food or drinks to the park. A sandwich, a bottle of water and a soft drink: $16
Souvenirs: WEG visor, $16; ladies T-shirt, $18; or WEG nations T-shirt, $18: $16
Will you see a horse? Yes. The Equine Village will have free demonstrations involving horses: Free
Will you see one of the competitive events? No. Those events require separate tickets.
Total for one person: $60
Total for a family of four: (Two aduts, two children, one under 13 admitted free) about $200 if yoy buy four souvenirs.
Tip: If you buy a ticket to one of the competitions, you get admission to both the equestrian event and the grounds. So a family of four could go to a preliminary dressage event for $280 and still have access to the events on the grounds. Kids under13 can get on the grounds free but must have a ticket for a competitive event.
Moderate Package: Parking, ticket to an equestrian event, two meals and a nicer souvenir:
Transportation: You drive to the Horse Park and pay $20 to park: $20
Tickets: For a reining event, $ 67 with a Ticketmastercharge of $7: $74
Food and drink: Lunch and dinner. Prices have not been finalized, but estimates are $40 for two meals. $40
Souvenirs: A WEG ale glass set $32; WEG youth hoodie, $40; WEG seat/walking stick $35; WEG program $15: $32
Total for one person: $166
Total for the same family of four: $598, if they buy one ofeach of the above souvenirs.
Tip: If you are in need of housing,check out the private houses, townhomes and con dominiums for rent. Prices start at about $200 a night.
Luxury Package: Primo parking spot, Opening Ceremonies ticket, hospitality pass, celebraty chef dinner and fancy souvenir:
Transportation: VIP parking at the Horse Park: $100
Event ticket: Opening Ceremonies tickets are $120 and $150: $150
Hospitality: You can buy a $636-a-day hospitality pass that lets you into fine dining and premium bar venues; high end boutiques and a private patio. These do not include event tickets.
Food: The James Beard celebrity chef dinners give you a meal and parking, but no admission to the grounds or an event. Each celebrity chef will work with a Kentucky chef. $300
Souvenirs: Solid silver medallion with some 24 karat goldplating, $189: a WEG silk men's tie, $95. $189
Total for one person: $1,375
Total for a family of four: As high as you like. You can bring along friends and spend $41,200 for the Champions Club during the three day dressage competition. You get a table for eight and "fastidious tableside butler service, bountiful light fare, and premium beverages as well as unparalleled view of the event you are attemding." The cost includes event tickets.
Tip: Even if you buy an individual hospitality pass, you still have to buy tickets to the events. Each hospitality wristband can be used for one person and one day only.
Editor's comment: At $636 a day it damned well better be an "unparalled view!!! At the above prices, it is easy to understand why WEG tickets are selling way below organizers' expectations!
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