Sales of WEG tickets reach 123,000

Herald-Leader Staff Report

About 123,000 tickets to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games have been sold since they went on sale Sept. 25, organizers announced Thursday.

That means roughly one-third of the Games' ticket budget has been met, said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games Foundation, which is putting on the event at the Kentucky Horse Park next year. Previously, the foundation has set $30 million as the goal for ticket sales.

"The outlook is very positive," he said. Ticket buyers are coming from all 50 states and 40 countries. A more detailed demographic breakdown will be available in a few months, he said. The ticket sales also have prompted more sales of hospitality packages, which are a combination of tickets and VIP accommodations.

More 2010 World Equestrian Games coverage

In other Games news:

■ Several Games' employees will travel to Copenhagen next month to report to the International Equestrian Federation on the Games' progress.

■ The World Games Foundation will contribute funding toward building a veterinary diagnostic center, which will remain in place after the Games. It will be used to diagnose problems before horses are taken to veterinary facilities around Lexington.

■ Marketing director Terry Johnson reported that 80 percent of the sponsorship budget has been reached and that 60 percent of the spots in the trade show have been sold.

■ The test event for the 100-mile endurance race will be Wednesday. Test events already have been held for reining, vaulting and carriage driving.