Ocala 2021 Campaign Begins!
WILMINGTON, Ohio – January 7, 2019 – The World Equestrian Center has released a dynamic 3D video tour of their burgeoning Ocala, Florida, facility; beginning a countdown to its Grand Opening in January 2021. The video takes viewers on a fly over journey, at first giving a bird’s eye view that alludes to the size and scope of the more than 3,000-acre facility and then swooping in to focus on details of the many elegant amenities. Equestrians eager for progress updates on the facility will see it come to life in a sweeping view of the grand stadium surrounded by a five-story luxury hotel, elegant dining terrace, four massive indoor arenas, seventeen outdoor arenas and even a visit to the quaint on site Chapel.
Your Source: WEC.net
Viewers can access the new 3D video and in depth content focused on the World Equestrian Center facilities in Wilmington, Ohio and Ocala, Florida, at the newly expanded www.WEC.net. Rich with information, imagery and functionality, the new WEC.net is designed to create the best possible experience for our users. In addition to new content, imagery, and available tools, the site has added functionality that includes online reservations and booking for the existing Ohio facility for the Cabin Village and “Home Away From Home” accommodations. (For more about the WEC.net site, please see news release: World Equestrian Center Debuts New Web Site with Expanded Functionality.)
Stay Informed
We’re always posting and sharing news and information about our Ohio, facility and the events there. In anticipation of the January 2021 opening date of our Ocala facility, the World Equestrian Center will issue regular updates about the facility, amenities and events focused on Florida. Here’s how to stay informed:
- Connect to www.WEC.net for current news, information, prize lists, lodging reservations and booking, careers and more.
- Enter your email address on WEC.net to join our email list and receive periodic updates.
- Read the NEWS blog on our Web site, which features news updates and articles about our facilities and events.
- Access WEC news releases on WEC.net or via American Horse Publications.
- Engage with us on social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
- Reach out directly to our media contact, Candace FitzGerald at 603-738-2788.
About World Equestrian Center
Located in Wilmington, Ohio, the World Equestrian Center features more than 200,000 square feet of climate-controlled riding space, making it one of the largest indoor/outdoor equestrian sport venues in the world. The state of the art facility features premium footing, permanent stabling and onsite accommodations as well as more than 28 weeks of AA rated Hunter / Jumper competition.
Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family friendly environment, the World Equestrian Center promises their exhibitors an experience built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.
In 2021, the World Equestrian Center will debut a brand new location, providing world-class equestrian competition and equestrian-inspired country club living, all adjacent to the fabulous Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club in Ocala, Florida. For more information please visit http://www.wec.net.
Ocala Opening Date
Q&A
January 7, 2019
Dates
Will you plan to have USEF sanctioned / recognized events at WEC Ocala? What about USEF mileage rules?
Ultimately our plan is to host sanctioned events. We have begun the application process with the US Equestrian Federation to acquire dates in Ocala. In the event that we are not granted the ability to run USEF rated horse shows, we plan to run our own WEC Hunter / Jumper horse shows.
Since 2016, we have hosted 28 weeks of USEF rated horse shows at our facility in Wilmington, Ohio. Our exhibitors are encouraged to sign up online for WEC Points to qualify for year-end awards and prizes. We will expand our WEC Points system to include events at WEC Ocala, hosting a year-end awards banquet to celebrate our circuit champions.
Will you host FEI events?
Yes, we have built our facility in Ocala to international standards and we will be applying to host FEI sanctioned events. We have already begun discussions with organizations that manage these events and presented WEC Ocala for consideration as a future event venue.
Timeline
When will you host your first horse show?
Our Grand Opening is slated for January 2021. We will host our first horse show then and the facility will be open to the public at that time.
Why the two year timeline?
We want to be absolutely certain that our facility is completely finished and in ready condition to safely host horses and exhibitors.
It is a matter of ensuring that we have the infrastructure and amenities to provide a world-class experience to all who visit WEC Ocala.
Can you give us an update on the current status of the build?
As construction advances, the World Equestrian Center continues to shift the paradigm in equestrian sports with development of a truly state of the art, resort style equestrian sports venue. The facility’s sophisticated technology network is currently being built with systems that will make World Equestrian Center Ocala the most advanced horse show facility in the country. When it comes online in January 2021, the World Equestrian Center’s technology infrastructure will accommodate key card technology, digital video live streaming and a 24/7 security network.
Disciplines
What type of Equestrian sports will be featured at WEC Ocala?
Our facility is equipped to host many different equestrian disciplines such as Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, Para equestrian, Vaulting and Reining. We will welcome breed events as well, such as Quarter Horse, Paso Fino, Arabians etc.
In addition to equestrian sports, the facility will host weddings, corporate events, athletic events, dog shows, car shows, antique shows and more.
Equestrian Estates
How many lots will be available and at what sizes?
The Equestrian Estate property will be offered in 3 acre lots or multiple 3 acre lots, depending upon a purchaser’s requirements.
When will lot pricing be available?
Lot pricing will be available in Q1 of 2019
Does home ownership at WEC Ocala include Golden Ocala club membership?
Those who purchase lots within World Equestrian Center Ocala will be required to join Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.
Employment Impact
Can you estimate the jobs impact the facility will have on the area?
Our current estimate is that we will hire approximately 300 full-time and 200 part-time associates before our opening. This does not include horse show staff.
When will you begin hiring for the facility?
Our approach will be a phased one. This means that we will begin hiring facilities and landscaping staff in the Spring of 2019. We will begin hiring sales staff in the Summer of 2019 and we will begin hiring culinary and service staff (hotel/restaurant) in the Spring of 2020.
How does one file an application to work at WEC Ocala?
Please use the following link to apply for positions at WEC Ocala:
https://Columbus-Hospitality-Management.careerplug.com/j/0bqdmm
What is this going to bring in the equestrian community in Ocala and to the larger equestrian world?
Ocala is beautiful and it is truly the ‘Horse Capital of the World.’ So it is fitting that WEC have a presence in Ocala. To have World Equestrian Center in Ocala adjacent to Golden Ocala is incredible for exhibitors and their families. Golden Ocala offers the equestrian the experience of amazing amenities like golf, swimming, tennis, fine dining and of course real estate so it is truly unique in our world.
We look to the past to incorporate things that we loved about showing horses as kids – and then we tie in more modern aspects to the facility like better footing, equipment and technology. These things make managing horse shows easier and more efficient and that translates to making showing horses easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
The new facility will create jobs in the area and provide people with a friendly, safe and fun destination for their whole family.
Where can I get updates during the next two years?
There are several different ways you can access information about WEC facilities:
- Today we launched a new Web site at WEC.net that includes current information and expanded interactive capabilities such as Ohio facility lodging reservations.
- You can enter your email address on our Web site to join our email list and receive periodic updates.
- The NEWS blog on our Web site features weekly updates about our facilities and events.
- We issue news releases to the media on a monthly basis.
- You can also follow us on social media for news and updates.
- You can call our media contact, Candace FitzGerald at 603-738-2788 with any questions or for more information.
