World Equestrian Games: Ready or Not?

For the past five years, civic leaders have heralded the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to showcase Lexington as an ideal place to live, work and visit.

But now — with the Games set to begin in 19 months — many of the projects aimed at making the city look its best are behind schedule, stalled or off the list altogether.

Officials say the tanking economy is a major problem for new projects and fund-raising. But experts think that missing the opportunities offered by the Games could have an even greater economic cost in the long run.

Construction is progressing on the indoor arena for the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Key facilities at the Kentucky Horse park appear to be on schedule, but some of Lexington’s infrastructure goals aren’t.

“It’s pretty important to put your best foot forward,” said Scott Kelley, director of the University of Kentucky Sports Marketing Academy. He cites two cities, Atlanta and Indianapolis, that have used major sporting events to redesign and revitalize their downtowns. Atlanta, in particular, used the 1996 Olympics to create a park that remains a centerpiece for the city.

At the Kentucky Horse Park, where the Games will take place, the major improvements are on time and on budget. But part of the economic impact of the Games — by organizers’ estimates close to $150 million — is based on luring people downtown to spend money…

Read the entire article By Linda Blackford
Date: 02-06-2009
Source: www.kentucky.com