After releasing security protocols for the 2018 World Equestrian Games via Facebook Tuesday evening, the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, North Carolina, came under fire from spectators all over the globe. The original post, which laid out the proposed rules regarding items that would not be allowed onto the facility for security purposes throughout the duration of the international event, has since been removed and replaced with the following update:
❗️SECURITY POLICY UPDATE❗️Thank you for your feedback regarding our attendee security policies. We appreciate your…
Posted by Tryon2018 on Wednesday, August 15, 2018
The original post stated that a clear bag policy had been instated for the event, which is expected to draw in an estimated 500,000 spectators during the two weeks of competition. With just 30 days until the games begin, many ticket-holders expressed their frustration with some of the policies; especially those regarding the prohibition of outside food or drink. The original policies forbade spectators from bringing in any food or drink from outside the showgrounds; including bringing empty water bottles that could be filled once entering the premises.
Jumper Nation reached out to the Tryon International Equestrian Center this morning and were directed to Carly Weilminster, Assistant Director of PR and Marketing for the event. Weilminster shared this statement, “We’re in the process of reviewing/updating some of the protocols based on the feedback we’ve received and will be announcing our revisions at some point today.”
Those revisions appear to have reduced tensions among spectators, however a handful of concerns are still being raised. The PR team behind the Tryon2018 Facebook page has been actively working to address remaining questions such as access to water fountains around the property to refill your drinking container, the addition of extra staff for on-property restaurants and additional concession stands, and the necessity behind stricter security protocols due to the size of the event. Another complaint related to the availability and cost of parking was addressed by the PR team stating, “we are looking into parking updates as well.”
JN will keep you up to date on any further revisions or updates pertaining to WEG 2018.
Go Jumping.