Arabian Horse Show producers continue to promote WestWorld of Scottsdale
By Terrance Thornton | Digital Free Press
Scottsdale City Council is providing a financial shot in the arm for this year’s Arabian Horse Show underway at WestWorld of Scottsdale to shoulder costs with pitching a formidable tent above arena 7.
“The Arabian Horse Association producer of the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is requesting up to $60,000 in tourism development funds to accommodate the placement of a tent over WestWorld Arena 7,” said Steve Geiogamah, Scottsdale tourism development manager. “The tent will provide safety and protection against weather hazards and will provide a temporary solution as discussions continue toward a permanent tent. In the past, the event producer has provided $70,000 toward Arena 7 tent rental, lighting and curbing.”
However, this calendar year, Mr. Geiogamah reports, the Arabian Horse Show producers were unable to provide private funds.
“Increased costs and COVID-19 impact have limited this year’ s Arabian Horse Association infrastructure spend,” Mr. Geiogamah said in his Feb. 14 report to City Council. “The Scottsdale Arabian Show participates annually in the city’ s tourism matching advertising fund program and receives $30,000. On Jan. 17, the Tourism Development Commission recommended that City Council allocate up to $60,000 from the Tourism Development Fund in support of the agreement.”
Mr. Geiogamah explained to City Council the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is considered a worldwide ‘triple crown’ event.
“The producer estimates more than 250,000 attendees and 3,500 participants for the 2023 event,” he said. “The Arabian Horse Association is one of the largest contributors to WestWorld’s annual maintenance and provides funds in the amount of $240,000 toward the Tony Nelson Equestrian Center debt service each year.”
Arabian Horse Show supports WestWorld of Scottsdale
The 2023 show begins 8 a.m. daily through Feb. 26 at WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Road, and features more than 2,000 horses competing for more than $3 million in prize money, event promoters say.
Mr. Geigomah reports the producers of the beloved equestrian event spends a substantial amount on marketing — both here and abroad.
“The producer of the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show allocates $ 500,000 towards domestic and international marketing,” he said. “As part of this request, the producer will provide a direct dollar matching marketing spend in the amount of $60,000 toward marketing the Scottsdale destination. Proposed key marketing and promotional objectives will focus on highlighting the Scottsdale destination through media and promotion.”
Scottsdale City Council, part of its Feb. 14 consent agenda, unanimously approved Resolution No. 12739, which enables the payment of tourism development funds to be allocated to event promoters of the Arabian Horse Show.
