The Countdown Has Begun for Omaha’s First World Professional Sports Championship on March 29-April 2

The Countdown Has Begun for Omaha's First World Professional Sports Championship on March 29-April 2 2017 Longines FEI World Cup #eliteequestrian elite equestrian magazine

The Countdown Has Begun for Omaha‘s First

World Professional Sports Championship on March 29-April 2

Omaha, Neb. – Spectators gathered in Omaha’s Turner Park on Sunday, November 6 to begin the countdown to Omaha’s first World Cup competition – the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping & FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals hosted by the Omaha Equestrian Foundation.The Countdown Has Begun for Omaha's First World Professional Sports Championship on March 29-April 2 2017 Longines FEI World Cup #eliteequestrian elite equestrian magazine

A countdown clock was unveiled with the help of Omaha’s Mounted Patrol unit in Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, set in the heart of the city. The free event featured pony rides for children and a show jumping competition between two noted Omaha equestrians, Dan Urban and his sister-in-law Danee Urban, both trainersat Quail Run Horse Centre in Elkhorn.

The FEI World Cup Finals will attract the world’s best horses and riders in two Olympic disciplines to the CenturyLink Center March 29-April 2, 2017. Omaha won the right to host the World Cup, beating out London, Hong Kong and s’Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands. It is the first time Omaha has hosted a World Cup, and is the first professional world sports championship held in the city. Riders are qualifying now for the right to compete, and are expected to represent at least 25 different countries.

“We are excited to be pioneers in bringing the first world professional sports championship to Omaha,” said Mike West, CEO of the Omaha Equestrian Foundation, host of the event. “It is an opportunity to show the world what a terrific sports town Omaha is, and for sports enthusiasts from the Midwest to see the very best in international equestrian competition without having to travel to the coasts or overseas.” A particular draw is that it features two Olympic events, Grand Prix show jumping and dressage, in the same venue and city,” he said.

More than 60,000 visitors are expected to come to Omaha for the World Cup, and the event is projected to have an economic impact on the city of as much as $50 million.

“Midtown Crossing is a proud supporter of the World Cup and we are looking forward to showing our international guests all the dining, entertainment and shopping that will help make their Omaha visit memorable,” said Molly Skold, Midtown Crossing’s vice president for marketing and communications.

In addition to the world-class competition in show jumping and Grand Prix dressage, spectators at the World Cup will have a world-class shopping and entertainment experience. They can get up close to watch the horses and riders warm up and can shop at the Boutique Shopping Village with more than 140 equine-related vendors, while enjoying music, dining and name entertainment, all indoors at the CenturyLink Center.

Youngsters and adults will enjoy educational opportunities at the Horse Discovery Zone, including a Gallery of Breeds and daily demonstrations. Local schoolchildren will compete in an art contest. There will be national competition for the right to sing the national anthem before two competitions, and an Equine Film Festival will be featured at Midtown Crossing. The FEI World Cup Finals has Omaha 2017 Ambassadors in nearly all 50 states!The Countdown Has Begun for Omaha's First World Professional Sports Championship on March 29-April 2 2017 Longines FEI World Cup #eliteequestrian elite equestrian magazine

All session tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com. VIP suites, tables and seating are available by calling 402 930 3079.

Follow the FEI World Cup Finals on FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Or go to www.OmahaWorldCup2017.com  #RidetoOmaha #FEIWorldCupFinals #TwoHearts #Longines

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