It’s the 2024 Spring Saturday Night Lights at the Tryon International Equestrian Center! Conveniently located in Tryon, North Carolina, and easily accessible from the Pea Ridge Road, Exit 170, off of US Highway 74. As you exit the highway, and make your way through the roundabout, you will notice the Tyron International Equestrian Center landmark – a very large globe, welcoming your arrival to this amazing venue. So, round up your family and friends and let the fun begin!
Entering through the Legends Plaza, you will be amazed by the multitude of free, yes, free, entertainment options such as pony rides, live bands, face painting, carousel rides, magicians, jugglers, airbrush tattoos, and more, all beginning at 6:00 p.m. Arrive before 4:00PM and even parking is free ($10/vehicle after 4:00PM with a portion of the proceeds to benefit St. Luke’s Hospital). Multiple dining and beverage options provide mouthwatering choices for the entire family, and of course no visit would be complete without indulging in a carnival style sweet treat – when was the last time you enjoyed a taste of that sticky-sweet, pink, confection – yep – a huge swirl of cotton candy.
With all that sugar fueled energy pulsing through you, it’s time to show off your dance moves! Plan to visit the Equestrian Center on Saturday June 1st from 6:00-11:00 to dance to live music with the Dave Matthews Tribute Band. And on June 8th, live on the Legend’s Plaza Stage, is the Super 60’s, the #1 in the Southeast Sixties Tribute Band. Both performances are free! No tickets needed. Lights, camera, action, and live music, all in one incredible venue.
After enjoying all these free activities, now it’s time for the highlight of the night – the $146,000 Grand Prix in the Tryon Stadium at 8:00 p.m. What is Grand Prix Show Jumping, you ask? Great question! Grand Prix Show Jumping began in Paris in 1866. It features the most prize money, biggest jumps, and highest level of competition. The courses are technical and complex, with incredible tight twists and turns, and consist of 10-16 jumps with heights up to 5’3”. The object is to complete the course without the horse knocking down a bar or refusing to jump. So with that in mind, stroll down to the show jumping arena, and for the ultimate close up, chose your seat wisely and grab a seat close to the rail, and prepare to be mesmerized as you witness world class athletes, both horses and riders, navigate tight turns, soar over colorful massive jumps and race through the timers at breathtaking speeds, all under the bright lights of the Tryon Stadium. It is truly lights, camera, and action for all. You will find me under the lights and cheering for all these incredible athletes!
Thrilled by the Grand Prix and ready for more excitement this summer? Then stay tuned and buckle up with me as the “Toughest Sport on Dirt” makes a return appearance to the Tryon International Equestrian Center from June 21-22, 2024, as it hosts the Professional Bull Riders competition for 2 action packed days of thrills, western sport and entertainment. Let’s get ready to ride!
Of course, Van in Black services the Tryon area and can provide luxury transportation to any event at the Equestrian Center. If you want to attend an event and you don’t want to drive yourself, give us a call!
