Eats, drinks and the best company in the land at the 2016 AEC Welcome Reception. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
The party never stops at the USEA American Eventing Championships! Tryon International Equestrian Center will play host to a full week’s worth of evening entertainment throughout the AECs, from competitor parties to Friday night polo and Advanced show jumping as this week’s “Saturday Night Lights” headliner.
Here’s a rundown of the action:
AEC Welcome Reception, Wednesday, August 30
Celebrate the commencement of the 2017 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena® at the AEC Welcome Reception in Legends Club. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served throughout the event, which will begin at 6 p.m. and continue through 7:30 p.m. All entered competitors will receive one free ticket, but additional tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
AEC Adult Rider Party presented by Beohringer Ingelheim, Thursday, August 31
Thursday night activities will feature the Adult Rider Party hosted by Beohringer Ingelheim at the Silo Bar. A cash bar will be available, but riders registered for the USEA Adult Rider Program will receive drink tickets. This event is open to USEA competitors and family members.
AEC Young Rider Party, Thursday, August 31
Younger riders will not be left out of the Thursday evening fun! The Young Rider Party is free to USEA riders age 21 and under, and will feature pizza and ice cream buffets. USEA competitors and their families are welcome at this event.
Brooke USA “Shelter the Donkeys” Fundraiser, Friday, September 1
Friday night will also feature the Brooke USA “Shelter the Donkeys” Fundraiser, which will highlight the initiatives of Brooke USA, a recognized 501c3 based in the United States dedicated to providing resources and awareness for working equines and donkeys in underdeveloped countries. From 5:30 – 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, be sure to swing by the decorated lounge area underneath of the Announcer’s Tower for a themed cocktail made by celebrity bartenders and Brooke USA ambassadors including Boyd Martin, Sinead Halpin, Tik Maynard, Allison Springer and more. A silent auction will run in conjunction with the event and feature mini-horse appearances, too.
AEC Competitor Party, Friday, September 1
Enjoy Gladiator Polo™ from the Special Events Tent during the 2017 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena® Competitor Party on Friday, September 1! Beginning at 6:30 p.m. and finishing at 9 p.m., offering heavy hors d’ouvres and a cash bar for competitors, family, and friends! All entered competitors will receive one free ticket, but additional tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
Gladiator Polo™ Argentine Asado Buffet, Friday, September 1
Kick-off the evening with an authentic fire-grilled Argentine Asado buffet on the Legends Club Porch overlooking the ring starting at 6 p.m. The all-you-can-eat buffet features tri-tip of beef with chimichurri, garlic Parmesan corn, roasted potatoes, Russian potato salad, smoked trout, chicken with rice, and more! A cash bar will be available. For pricing and to purchase your Argentine Asado buffet tickets click here.
“SNL” Advanced Show Jumping Legends Club Buffet, Saturday, September 2
Enjoy the highlight class of the 2017 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena® under the lights in George H. Morris Arena on Saturday, September 2. Doors open at 6 p.m. The class will begin between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., showcasing the best of U.S. eventing, as combinations complete the final phase of this impressive discipline to crown the winner of the 2017 Adequan® Gold Cup Series. An all-inclusive buffet dinner and open bar offers a fantastic view of the main arena and a lively social atmosphere during our signature “Saturday Night Lights” evening competition. Tickets are available online. Click here to purchase.
“SNL” AEC Craft Beer Festival, Saturday, September 2
There will be a Craft Beer Festival held in the Special Events Tent during Saturday Night Lights on September 2, with private seating and viewing for the 2017 Adequan® Gold Cup Series Advanced Show Jumping competition. The festival, held from 6 – 10 p.m., will include unlimited four-ounce pours from participating craft breweries, a heavy hors d’ouvres buffet, and a souvenir cup from TIEC. Some of the featured beers from Asheville craft breweries include Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, French Broad Brewing Company, Pisgah Brewing Company, Oskar Blues, Bold Rock, Catawba Brewing, Asheville Brewing, Highland Brewing, Noble Cider, Hi Wire and more. Tickets can be purchased at the door and online by clicking here.
Edited from a press release.
