Tickets are now on sale for a week-long fan experience organized by Equestricon during Breeders' Cup week at Churchill Downs, highlighted by its second-annual racing convention, festival and trade show Monday, Oct. 29 and Tuesday, Oct. 30. Coinciding with the launch of tickets Wednesday, Equestricon has released a preliminary schedule of events for the convention here.
Equestricon 2018 will be held at the newly-renovated Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville with expected appearances from the sport's top jockeys, trainers, owners and farms. With a basic $10 Trade Show Only Pass, attendees will be able to enjoy interactive exhibits and directly connect with more than 100 racing organizations and products.
Premium tickets to Equestricon start at $65 and offer wide-ranging access to the full convention program, which is now browsable at equestricon.com. Convention-goers holding a $65 Two-Day All-Access Convention Pass can expect dozens of panels, workshops, seminars and discussions on topics highlighting horses, handicapping, photography, ownership, breeding, aftercare and more. Anyone who purchases a Two-Day Pass or ticket of greater value by May 7 will also gain access to an exclusive pre-sale to buy Breeders' Cup tickets.
“We're thrilled Equestricon is kicking off the Breeders' Cup Festival week for fans and guests of the World Championships,” Breeders' Cup President and Chief Executive Officer Craig Fravel said. “The inaugural Equestricon in Saratoga was so well-received by fans, horseplayers, and industry members, we're sure Equestricon 2018 will be a can't-miss opportunity for anyone with an interest in racing.”
Equestricon organizers have also announced a series of off-site events and experiences. Some of the featured off-site events include select farm tours (tickets not yet available), a millinery workshop, and racetrack hospitality with guest handicappers at Churchill Downs. Following the close of the convention, Equestricon will host its “EQConcert” and VIP reception at the Mercury Ballroom in Downtown Louisville.
Guests interested in more exclusive experiences and events during Breeders' Cup week can also purchase the VIP Experience Pass ($360) or the newly-announced Breeders' Cup Festival Insider Pass, which is exclusively sold by Equestricon.
An extremely limited number of Breeders' Cup Festival Insider Passes are available, offering access to Breeders' Cup week events that are typically reserved for connections of Breeders' Cup horses and Breeders' Cup invited guests. In addition to VIP access to the convention and VIP party at Mercury Ballroom, the pass includes entry to:
• Breeders' Cup Welcome Party
• Breeders' Cup Post Draw (Monday)
• Breeders' Cup Breakfast Marquee at Churchill Downs
• “The Enclosure” private viewing area outside the paddock on Breeders' Cup Friday and Saturday
“Whether you're a casual fan, a horse lover, hardcore horseplayer, horse owner, breeder or you're looking to get more involved in racing, there is a ticket that will meet your expectations and budget,” said Kathryn Sharp, co-founder of Equestricon. “Our goal has always been to increase access to the sport of racing and promote direct engagement. After months of planning and scheduling, we're confident that we've put together an unrivaled program that you simply can't miss if you've got a passion for racing.”
Sponsors and vendors interested in participating or exhibiting can find information at www.equestricon.com/partners.
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