Plans Announced for Opening Ceremonies for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Zara Phillips of Great Britain won eventing gold at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI

Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will kick off with hundreds of horses and athletes, marching bands, orchestras, world-renowned singers and a Kentucky “Call to the Post.”

The Games are the world’s most prestigious equestrian event, featuring world championships in eight equestrian sports. The 2010 Games, September 25-October 10, will be the first ever held in America. Organizers say the Opening Ceremonies will pay tribute to America, Kentucky and the equine world.

“We are inviting some of the greatest performers from around the globe, including equine entertainers and international performing artists,” said Dr. Everett McCorvey, whose company, Global Creative Connections, will produce the Games’ Opening and Closing Ceremonies. “We will highlight both the best of Kentucky and the best of America, and begin these Games with incredible celebration and fanfare.”

As many as 600 performers and 200 horses could be involved in the production, including a 100-piece orchestra, 300-person choir and hundreds of adults and children. Marching bands, armed forces performing ensembles, and local and international celebrities and dignitaries are likely to be involved. 

The production will include a tribute to American music, including Broadway and Bluegrass, the official Parade of Athletes and, in tribute to the first American host, a singing of My Old Kentucky Home.

Tickets for the Games’ Opening and Closing Ceremonies range from $120 to $150 and can be purchased now at ticketmaster.com, through www.alltechfeigames.com, or via the Ticketmaster hotline at 1-800-745-3000. 

Opening Ceremonies will be held September 25, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Outdoor Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park, the venue for the Games. Closing Ceremonies will be celebrated in the same location, on October 10 at 4:00 p.m.

Specific performing artists and other performing groups will be announced at when additions are made to the production. Global Creative Connections is currently casting production volunteers for both ceremonies at www.globalcreativeconnections.com.

 “Our Opening Ceremonies will set the tone for 16 days of world-class competition,” said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation. “These Games will be the largest sporting event in America in 2010, and we hope to stage an Opening Ceremonies that reflects the magnitude of this event on Kentucky, America, and the equestrian world.”

About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian sports recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The 2010 Games are the first to incorporate eight equestrian disciplines as well as the first to be held outside of Europe.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. Sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Meydan, Ariat International, Inc, and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.

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