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WEC / Wilmington / Equestrian Events / Spectators

Information for Spectators in Wilmington

wilmington equestrian spectators rider and horse jumping

We invite spectators to experience the splendor of equestrian sports at World Equestrian Center. Our facility is the largest indoor/outdoor equestrian facility in the United States. The 200-acre Wilmington, Ohio, facility has a rich history as the former Roberts Arena ‘Showplace of the Midwest’ which primarily hosted top AQHA horse shows. The World Equestrian Center focuses on Hunter/Jumpers and produces more than 32 weeks of USEF sanctioned competitions throughout the year.

Our competitions are free and open to the public.

Spectators should use the main entrance at 4095 OH 730, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. Please park in the designated areas at the front of the facility.

wilmington equestrian spectators amenities viewing bar

Spectator Amenities

Our facilities are spectator friendly with many ways to watch the competitions and experience the up-close excitement of equestrian sport at its finest. Wilmington equestrian spectators are encouraged to patronize the vendors at World Equestrian Center and take advantage of the many amenities at the facility including on-site dining, spa services and chapel. Leashed dogs are welcome at the World Equestrian Center and can travel freely about the facility with their handlers.

We have three main climate-controlled indoor arenas: The Sanctuary Arena, Roberts Arena and the R+L Arena. Each of our arenas feature stadium-type seating for spectator comfort and enjoyment. The Sanctuary, our main jumper ring, has more than 1,100 seats allowing spectators to gain upfront access to exciting jumping events.

wilmington equestrian spectators horse arena riders and horses

The R+L Arena and the Roberts Arena host hunter divisions where horses and ponies compete over a beautifully decorated course of natural obstacles. World Equestrian Center’s A Sudden Impulse Boutique sits adjacent to the Roberts Arena. This boutique provides a unique shopping experience with an eclectic selection of gifts, elegant jewelry and whimsical home goods. A Sudden Impulse also carries a selection of toys, items for dogs and WEC-branded clothing and merchandise.

The Sanctuary and R+L arenas are both Handicap Accessible.

wilmington equestrian spectators child and adult looking through fence with horse

Times and Schedules for Spectators

On horse show days the competitions begin early in the morning and run until the late afternoon. Our larger ‘feature’ classes begin in the early evening and include the Grand Prix and the Futures Prix. In these events, horses are competing at the highest level, making these “feature” classes exciting to watch.

On Friday afternoons, our feature Hunter Derby class takes place in the beautifully decorated R+L Arena. Here, horses jump natural obstacles such as stone walls and fallen logs. The Hunter Derby class emulates what the horses and riders might see while fox hunting.

The horse show schedule is available daily in our horse show office at the main entrance to the facility.

Events

world equestrian wilmington showgrounds aerial view

World Equestrian Center Ohio Showgrounds

The World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio is one of the largest indoor/outdoor horse show facilities in America featuring more than 200,000 square feet of riding space, 800 stalls, five outdoor arenas and nine climate-controlled indoor arenas including competition, warm-up, schooling and lunging rings. The state-of-the-art facility sits on more than 200 acres, allowing for ample on-site lodging and several shopping and dining options.

VIEW SHOWGROUNDS MAP

wilmington equestrian amenities arena dining

Indoor Amenities

Spacious climate-controlled hallways with rubber matting connect the barns to the indoor arenas, dining and shopping, providing all of the horse show necessities under one roof. World Equestrian Center offers upscale amenities like two restaurant options, Dark Horse Coffee Co. proudly serving Starbucks, a charming Vendor Village and even an on-site day spa just steps from horse show action.

Learn more about Wilmington Indoor Amenities.

Learn More

wilmington equestrian food and drink dining amenities

Food and Drink

Dining options at World Equestrian Center include two restaurants and a coffee shop. The International Grille and Café offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with grab-and-go and made-to-order options. The Paddock Club offers dinner during horse shows, as well as lunch on Saturday and Sunday during the show. With ample seating, a bar serving beer and wine and a delicious menu, the Paddock Club is the perfect spot to catch up with fellow exhibitors or celebrate a win.

 

wilmington equestrian dining horse in restaurant

Visit Dark Horse Coffee Co. in Vendor Village for a morning coffee or a quick bite to eat. Dark Horse Coffee Co. proudly serves all of your Starbucks favorites, as well as pastries and grab-and-go sandwiches. Riders can pick up their favorite Starbucks drink on the way to the ring at the ride thru window in the Sanctuary Arena hallway.

Learn more about lodging options in Wilmington.

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wilmington equestrian amenities accommodations rooms interior

Come Stay With Us

World Equestrian Center offers an abundance of lodging options just steps away from the horse show including charming cabins, roomy Home Away from Home units and the luxurious Wilbur Estate. All rooms are pet friendly and come outfitted with a refrigerator, a microwave and TVs. We also offer RV spots with full hookups and trailer parking.

Learn more about lodging options in Wilmington.

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Spectators FAQ

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Wilmington: 937.382.0985

Why World Equestrian Center

WEC is much classier and cleaner than most facilities I’ve been at and the faculty is tremendous to work with! The simplicity with setting up and tearing down in between shows in vendor village and not having to cover up or put away product is very convenient. The security that goes along with our product in vendor village is very important and with WEC’s security we never have to worry about product being taken or ruined. Being able to have a booth in the village that I am able to close a door, lock, and walk away from allows for peace of mind.

Holly Gregg
Haala Denim

Tenney’s is proud to be a vendor at World Equestrian Center.  Our missions are aligned in providing an exceptional experience for the exhibitors and general public as well.  The staff is great to work with and the fees are very fair.  I’m looking forward to an amazing summer at WEC!

Katherine Tenney
Tenney’s Custom Saddlery

This facility is truly world class. As a vendor that travels to some of the nicest horse facilities in the USA, this place is unequaled. WEC offers the finest in all aspects of horse showing, with wonderful amenities for the horse, rider and vendor. The Harris family is so grateful for the opportunity to attend shows here at WEC. The staff is amazing and they are always ready and willing to do whatever it takes to make our setup smooth and uneventful.

Phil Harris
Harris Leather & Silverworks

Throughout the winter circuit, the WEC vendor team checked in with me weekly to ensure I had everything I needed to be successful as a vendor and brainstorm on solutions to any challenges I experienced.

Jill Grant
Gillian Valentine

The opportunity to be a vendor at WEC has been very advantageous for both brand awareness as well as sales. The vendor village is second to none – well laid out, cozy, and inviting, with amenities beyond what is available at most other show venues.

Catherine Winter
Ride Equisafe

The WEC (Wilmington) staff was a dream to work with!  The staff is friendly, responsive, and cares deeply about your satisfaction and the quality of the facilities.  Any issues were minor and the team worked quickly to remedy through great communication.  I will return again soon!

Susie McMichael
Savanna's Sweet Horse Treats
2021 Gold Key Awards Finalist

The Equestrian Hotel

As a vendor I particularly like the indoor village square setting and beautiful storefronts of Vendor Village. Not only is it the best environment to display products rain or shine, but it also keeps the merchandise protected from damage. I design and sell fashion apparel and show competition coats, so this is especially important to me. It is a pleasant shopping experience, and I always meet friendly and interesting customers.

Annette Wallander
Annette Ellen Designs

The WEC Organization has come together to provide a state of the art facility for the equestrian community, and we at FarmVet are proud to be able to service our customers at this beautiful venue. The professionalism of their leadership team has made doing business here a win-win for us, and for our customers.

Wayne Gibson
CEO, FarmVet

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