Omaha, Nebraska – March 4, 2016 – The Omaha Equestrian Foundation (OEF) has announced that tickets are now on sale for the International Omaha, a world-class indoor equestrian competition that features top-level jumping and dressage together under one roof.
The event celebrates its fifth year on May 5-7, 2016, at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska. In addition, the OEF announced prize money of $130,000 for the FEI Burlington Capital Group Grand Prix Jumping, $40,000 for the FEI Mutual of Omaha Bank Speed Derby, $30,000 for FEI Grand Prix dressage competitions and $90,500 for national competitions.
Tickets for Friday and Saturday evening performances, featuring the opening ceremonies followed by the pinnacle evening competitions, are available online through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets may also be purchased at the CenturyLink Center Omaha Box Office. Ticket prices range from $12 to $30.
The International Omaha is the prelude to the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final, which will be hosted at the CenturyLink Center on March 29-April 2, 2017. The FEI World Cup™ Finals are an annual indoor Championship competition among the world’s best jumping and dressage horses and riders.
International Omaha combines high-level, intense competition and features top national and international riders who have competed in the Olympic Games, FEI World Cup™ Championships and Pan American Games. This year will be the first time that the International Omaha is hosting an International Equestrian Federation (FEI) approved CDI 4* Dressage competition along with the CSI 3* Jumping competition. Highlights of the show include the new prime-time FEI Dressage Grand Prix competition on Thursday, May 5 at 6:00 P.M., the FEI Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle competition on Friday, May 6 at 4:00 P.M., the Mutual of Omaha Bank Speed Derby on Friday, May 6 at 7:00 P.M., and the Burlington Capital Group Grand Prix Jumping on Saturday, May 7 at 7:00 P.M.
“Our fifth annual event is going to be bigger and better than ever,” said Lisa Roskens, Chairman of International Omaha. “We are so excited to welcome some of the best competitors in jumping and dressage. It’s going to be thrilling competition!”
On Thursday, May 5, local riders are invited to attend Local Day competition sponsored by the Nebraska Hunter-Jumper Schooling Show Circuit. Local Day is designed to give upcoming junior and amateur adult riders an opportunity to experience showing at a world-class horse show and venue.
In addition to top level equestrian sporting competition in jumping and dressage, attendees at the International Omaha will be treated to a variety of entertainment presentations and expanded shopping opportunities that make the event a total equestrian experience for enthusiasts of all ages. There is no admission charge for those attending exhibits, shopping booths and other entertainment in the CenturyLink’s Expo area, which will feature special exhibitions, music, food and drink throughout the day. There is no admission charge to see the daytime competition.
Talented high school soloists, duets and choir groups are encouraged to enter the annual Omaha Steaks National Anthem Contest. The winner will have the opportunity to perform the National Anthem at International Omaha on Saturday, May 7 and a chance to win a $1,000 prize. A winning soloist will receive a $1,000 scholarship to any college of their choice and a choir group will receive a $1,000 gift to their school’s music department. Entries must be completed and submitted with music files/video by March 31. Full entry details and application are available on the International Omaha website.
International Omaha features free activities that will engage and entertain the whole family. Specifically designed for elementary and middle school age children, International Omaha offers equine exhibits for school field trips that include hands-on learning at the gallery of breeds, museum, blacksmith shop, tack shop and veterinary clinic as well as watching live demonstrations and daytime competition. Children can also participate in the Kids Art Contest and the Horseless Mini-Jump contest.
Spectators who want to experience the excitement of elite equestrian sport can also purchase one of the exclusive International Omaha Hospitality Packages. VIP Seating Packages and VIP Tables offer a unique way for guests to experience the International with excellent food and beverage and wonderful views of the action in the ring. Information on VIP packages is available by calling 402-444-1630.
The International Omaha is run by the Omaha Equestrian Foundation, a certified 501c(3) not-for-profit foundation. The focus of the foundation is to foster and develop international caliber athletes within the equestrian sport as well as supporting and educating the community. Since 2013, The Omaha Equestrian Foundation has donated tickets to local charities and created field trips for over 1,000 elementary school students, veterans and local military families. For more information about the Omaha Equestrian Foundation, visit www.OmahaEquestrian.com.
For more information about International Omaha, please visit www.InternationalOmaha.com or call 402-444-1630.
