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THERMAL,
CA (November 3,
2006) —More than 100 curious horsemen visited
the brand new HITS Thermal Desert Horse Park last
weekend for a sneak peak at the multi-million
dollar equestrian center that is set to open in
January for the 2007 HITS Thermal Desert Circuit.
Members of the HITS
staff provided guided tours of the new facility
which features more riding area than any other
show grounds in the world. Compared to the former
facility in nearby Indio, HITS Thermal will have
twice as many permanent stalls with improved facilities
for added comfort and convenience, more rings-12
in total, more parking, and more RV space featuring
50 AMP electric,water and sewer at every site.
What's more, the raised VIP seating area will
overlook both the Grand Prix Ring and Main Hunter
Rings.
Exhibitors also
learned about the new state-of-the-art footing
provided by Footing
Authority ™, that will have EuroFelt
and/or Polymer in every ring, including the newly
designed million dollar Grand Prix Ring.
"What I really
liked was the footing," said Grand Prix rider
and trainer Ali Nilforushan. "I think it
is going to be a tremendous hit." According
to Nilforushan, the new site has created quite
a buzz around the West Coast as he said dozens
of trainers have called him to talk about the
facility.
"I can't wait
to see how it comes together," he added.
"The food in the VIP Pavilion is also going
to be very important to my clients. I am excited
that there will be a catered lunch on more than
one day."
HITS Thermal will
feature VIP table service in the Oasis Club which
includes breakfast and lunch buffets Wednesday
through Saturday and an elegant brunch on Sunday.
"Everything
looks like it's coming along great, and with three
months left, it should be really great by the opening
show," said Rob Gage, a trainer who attended
the open house."I am so impressed by this
facility and I am sure it will be one of the finest
in the world."
November 17 and
18 provides exhibitors one last chance to preview
the new facility before it opens in January.Those
interested in attending should RSVP to Eileen
Edwards via e-mail at Eileen@HitsShows.com
at least one week prior to the event.
"We are, if
anything, slightly ahead of schedule," said
Tom Struzzieri, President of HITS, Inc. "We
now know that we are certain to be ready for a
spectacular Grand Opening come January."
In fact, plans for the Grand Opening weekend celebration
are well underway, including a Grand Opening Party
on Saturday, January 27.
HITS, Inc. is a special
events management company primarily focused on
producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in
upstate New York in the village of Saugerties,
HITS produced its first horse show circuit in
Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time,
HITS has grown into a nationwide company with
world-class hunter/jumper circuits in California,
Florida, Arizona, New York, and Virginia.
In January 2006 HITS
entered into a private equity arrangement with
Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. in Los Angeles.
As a result, HITS, Inc. is able to develop and
execute exciting operational and strategic initiatives
that both solidify its well-established position
as the leader in horse show management and allow
for new growth opportunities including the construction
of HITS Desert Horse Park. HITS generates significant
economic impact in each of its five venues in
California, Arizona, Florida, Virginia and New
York.
The six-week circuit
previously held in Indio produces a total economic
impact in excess of $120,000,000 each year. Because
the new Thermal site is considerably larger and
will accommodate more horses, the economic impact
in future years is expected to increase substantially.
The 2007 season of
show jumping kicks off on January 23, 2007. For
more information on the 2007 HITS Thermal Desert
Circuit, please visit www.HitsShows.com
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