WELLINGTON, Fla., Oct. 21--The
number of VIP boxes is being
increased dramatically to about 100
as part of major reconstruction to
improve all spectator viewing areas
of the International Arena at the
Palm Beach International Equestrian
Center.
Large increases in spectator areas,
including general admission seats,
sponsor chalets and the
International Club, became possible
by moving seating all around the
arena 30 feet closer without
reducing the competition arena and
its Olympic quality footing. The
reconstruction will also create a
more intimate atmosphere in the
showcase arena.
Changes in the spectator viewing
areas will be completed within about
a month, well before the start of
the Holiday Series on Dec. 3 whose
five weeks of shows lead into the
2009 Winter Equestrian Festival and
its schedule of international
quality jumper, hunter and dressage.
The boxes will be on two levels in
front of and below the International
Club on the west side of the arena
and two levels on either side of the
bridge on the north side. Fifty-five
of the boxes will be covered and a
decision on covering the remainder
will made next year.
Expansion of spectator areas also
allows an increase in the width of
the boxes to nine feet from eight
feet to more comfortably seat eight
people--four in two rows--in new
chairs. Wrought iron railing across
the front of the boxes will be 30
inches high, 12 inches lower than
the countertop walls at WEF in 2008.
Limited food and beverage service by
staff may also be available to box
holders during night classes and
selected Sunday events.
About 40 of the boxes are reserved
for current boxholders.
However, the remaining boxes are
available for $6,800 each--$850 per
seat--for all events during the 12
weeks of 2009 WEF with the exception
of the World Dressage Masters at the
end of January. First option
renewals in the future will go to
existing boxholders.
Plans are being drawn up for several
hundred "limited" reserved seats on
the north and east sides of the
arena. The goal is to offer WEF
members advance reservations for the
season (except the World Dressage
Masters).
New permanent stadium style seats
are more comfortable than the seats
at 2008 WEF and also have cup
holders.
Consideration is also being given to
other changes in long standing
spectator policies, including
extending free general admission for
most daytime events from Wednesday
through Friday.
Other areas for general admission
viewing around the International
Arena are also being provided,
including around the horseshoe bank,
under a new Jumbotron that will be
located near the entrance, on the
bridge and areas between the bridge
and the International Club.
Boxes can be reserved on line at
www.equestriansport.com or by
telephoning Annette Goyette at
561/793-5867.
Other seating options will be
announced when final decisions are
made.
Artist renderings of spectator boxes
and the new layout of spectator
areas around the International Arena
at the Palm Beach International
Equestrian Center.
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