What do you think of the upcoming World Equestrian Games being held in Lexington, Ky?

The Equestrian games will bring much needed tourist dollars into the sagging economy and help finance the education system. It's called investing in the future, not just sitting back and crying about how bad things are. These games coming to the state will bring in a good bunch of money from tourism and advertisement. It will also establish Lexington as a city of interest to the world, much like the Olympics do for the cities in which they are held.

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by jackpipe30 on January 17th, 2009

I strongly disagree. The money being spent is going to vastly outweigh the money brought in in the long run. Just look at the last few cities to host the Olympics. All of them wound up with economic shortfalls due to the games. Especially given the economy at the current time, I don't think Lexington is going to receive as many visitors as they think they will. Not to mention, I am tired of this state wasting taxpayers money on the horse industry. This is like throwing money down a well. The horse industry is a dying industry. Just look at the numbers posted by Keenelands last two meets. It is time for Kentucky to invest money in a more viable form of tourism.

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by Melancholy Messiah on January 24th, 2009

I feel the same way about the horse industry in general. Especially after what happened at the 2008 Kentucky Derby. There is no excuse for killing any animal needlessly.

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by Evildeadexorcist on August 31st, 2009

I really wish I could share your enthusiasm but the closer the games get, the more I agree with Melancholy. I just don't see that the end is going to justify the means. I don't think the games are going to be as well attended as Lexington is anticipating, especially after seeing the ticket prices listed in the local paper. Not to mention the fact that half the events that make up these games I have never heard of. As far as the stadium goes, I don't see how it will pay for itself after the games. Rupp Arena, a 24,000 seat venue can not get any major acts to play there. How is a 17,000 seat open air venue going to attract anyone. Overall, I think the state bit off more than it could chew with this event.

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by Evildeadexorcist on July 7th, 2009

I hope your right. But, from what I am seeing in Lexington right now. I am afraid the games are going to be nothing more than a giant headache for those that permanently reside in the area.

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by Evildeadexorcist on January 24th, 2009

Every time you host something like this it is a gamble, and you could end up without the expected benfits of the event. I think it will be a drag initially, but has a good potential in the long term. Those that come from other countries and even from our own will remember their impression of Lexington and if it is good can be an influence on future trips. The city has to be careful and present itself in the best light to bring repeat business, which is what I see events such as this being about (as far as agreeing to host them).

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by jackpipe30 on January 24th, 2009

I did not know the games had been in America before. We are being told in Kentucky that this is the first time they have been held in America.

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by Evildeadexorcist on December 18th, 2008

I may have it confused with something else then.

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by Nickname on December 19th, 2008

You may be correct. The people around here tend to exaggerate things just a bit. They keep saying these games have only been held in Europe but I find that hard to believe.

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by Evildeadexorcist on December 19th, 2008