The Aiken Horse Park Foundation is honored to welcome LiftMaster back “home” as the Title Sponsor of the 2026 $100,000 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, p/b Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, returning February 27–28, 2026 in Aiken, South Carolina.
A cherished winter tradition on the national eventing calendar, the LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase offers a spectator-first take on the sport’s three phases — dressage, show jumping, and cross-country — thoughtfully condensed into a format designed to bring fans closer to the action, the horses, and the riders they admire.
“Having LiftMaster return as the title sponsor of this event continues to cement its place of visibility and importance on the eventing calendar. Not only is the GPE one of the top four biggest prizes in eventing in the States, but it is an integral part of the preparation for our team horses and riders. We have championship atmosphere and intensity in a showcase environment and the $100,000 in prize money is a key component to that world-class feel,” said Joanie Morris, COO Aiken Horse Park Foundation.
“We’re thrilled to be back as the title sponsor of the Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase” said Erich Stuckmeyer, EVP and Chief Product Officer of Chamberlain Group, the parent company of LiftMaster. “This event is particularly meaningful for LiftMaster as it has deep roots in our business – both from an access control and security standpoint, and also due to our direct connection to Bruce’s Field.”
LiftMaster’s return feels especially meaningful at Bruce’s Field, a venue rooted in vision, generosity, and legacy. The field bears the name of Bruce Duchossois, whose dream helped shape what is now one of Aiken’s most beloved gathering places. LiftMaster was the inaugural Title Sponsor of the very first $100,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase in 2019 and remained in that role through 2020 and 2021, helping lay the foundation for what has become one of Aiken’s most anticipated winter traditions. Their return this year feels less like a new sponsorship and more like a natural and welcome homecoming to an event they helped bring to life.
“We are pleased to welcome LiftMaster back to Aiken as our title sponsor. Privacy, safety, and security are essential considerations for equestrian properties, and LiftMaster gates represent the gold standard in the industry. This renewed partnership reflects a strong alignment of values and underscores the Foundation’s increasing ability to deliver meaningful brand visibility and engagement for corporate partners seeking to connect with a highly discerning equestrian audience,” said Tara Bostwick, CEO Aiken Horse Park Foundation.
The 2026 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase begins Friday morning with dressage, followed by show jumping that afternoon. On Saturday, the fan-favorite cross-country phase unfolds across the park, where horses and riders navigate bold, technical efforts in a format that is easy to follow and electric to watch.
At Bruce’s Field, the experience is as welcoming as it is exciting. Spectators are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, settle in for the day, and enjoy not only world-class sport but a lively Vendor Village, food and beverage offerings, and a crowd that ranges from lifelong eventing fans to first-time visitors who “just came to see what this was all about.” Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome, and the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and distinctly Aiken.
Ticketing is designed to be simple and flexible for both day-trippers and weekend visitors. General Admission includes full weekend passes (Friday + Saturday) as well as single-day options. Children 12 and under attend free, making the Showcase an easy “bring the whole crew” outing.
For those looking for a more elevated experience, a limited number of VIP hospitality tickets are available and tend to sell quickly. Tailgating packages offer designated course-side space for groups to enjoy Saturday’s action in comfort and style. VIP and tailgating purchases close in mid-February and are not available at the gate, so advance purchase is strongly encouraged.
General Admission tickets are available online in advance, with day-of tickets potentially available at the gate (cash or check only).
While the Showcase highlights top sport, it is equally rooted in something deeper: giving back to the community that makes Bruce’s Field possible. A signature element of the weekend is Ride For Charity, which pairs elite riders with nonprofit beneficiaries and invites fans to rally behind the causes closest to their hearts. Each team is led by a prominent rider serving as Captain, competing not only for bragging rights, but for meaningful impact.
2026 Team Captains & Beneficiaries
- Team Red — Allison Springer, Leg Up Experience
- Team Orange — Monica Spencer, Aiken Equine Rescue
- Team Yellow — Will Coleman, Old Barnwell USCA Caddie Scholarship
- Team Green — Emily Hamel, Aiken County Pony Club
- Team Blue — Phillip Dutton, Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs
- Team Purple — Boyd Martin, Aiken Volunteer Mounted Unit
Additional details about Ride For Charity participation, fundraising, and team activities will be shared as event week approaches. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interviews, sponsorship information, or event details:
Aiken Horse Park Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 830-7077
About LiftMaster
LiftMaster is a leading brand of professionally installed residential garage door openers and a manufacturer of commercial door operators, residential and commercial gate operators, smart video intercoms, and smart door controllers. Driven by the access and security needs of today’s marketplace, LiftMaster’s expansive line of residential and commercial solutions is designed to fit any lifestyle or application—delivering the latest technology in safety, security, and convenience. Learn more at LiftMaster.com.
About the Aiken Horse Park Foundation
The Aiken Horse Park Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the stewardship and continued growth of Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina, supporting equestrian sport, community engagement, and charitable impact through world-class events and year-round access to the park. The MISSION of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation is to promote Aiken’s equestrian way of life and encourage the community’s civic, educational, and charitable endeavors.
