Sporting Event Heaven at the World Equestrian Center
Ocala’s World Equestrian Center offers a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, unbeatable lodging and a range of dining options, making it the perfect location for your next sporting eventIntroduction
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER – OCALA Florida
Before discussing the wonder that is the World Equestrian Center, central Florida’s finest event space, it is imperative we describe Ocala, home to over 400 thoroughbred farms and training center. But vivid equestrian discussions will come later–first, consider all there is to do in this Florida city, from art museums to state parks.
Silver Springs State Park allows visitors to hike through lush trails, paddle along serene waterways, and embark on mesmerizing glass-bottom boat tours. This area is renowned for its crystal-clear springs, abundant wildlife, and rich history, so whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Silver Springs has something for everyone.
Searching for more fun-filled to-dos in Ocala? The Santos Trailhead and its 80-plus miles of single-track diverse trails is a mecca for mountain biking. It is the sort of trail network that could challenge even elite cyclists–but for those not included to hop on a bike, there is always Downtown Historic Ocala, where farm-to-table dining meets craft beer, live music, and a bevy of shopping and culture.
Ready to head back indoors? The Appleton Museum of Art is a great starting point, especially given its tantalizing exhibits on the connections between dance and art, or birds in America. From outdoor fun to indoor excitement, Ocala has it all–plus some of the state’s most exceptional athletic facilities.
Planner Testimonial
“World Equestrian Center facilities, grounds, and staff surpass all of our expectations each time we hold one of our junior volleyball tournaments in their Expo Centers. Rodney Gutierrez and the event staff make every effort to enhance our events and provide a high quality experience for our teams and their families both on and off the court.
The expansive grounds with high quality restaurants, numerous equestrian events, shops, RV park, and impressive on site hotels create a truly amazing atmosphere for our attendees. Their attention to detail and creativity continue to impress us each year and play a large role in clubs marking this tournament on their calendar as a “must attend” event!”
– AJ Joseph, JVC Tournaments, President
Find Your Perfect Tournament Facility
World Equestrian Center Facility Spotlight
Exposition Center 1 & 2
Sports: Volleyball, indoor soccer, cheerleading, dance, martial arts, trade shows
Sports fanatics rejoice: these two state-of-the-art exposition centers, boasting over 130,000 square feet of free space, provide the ideal venues for national, regional, and local competitions. Each building has soaring ceilings (ranging from 18-feet to 50-feet tall) and offers premium turf for a high-caliber indoor field experience. But the two expo centers are not just for sports: they double as the perfect hosts for conventions, trade shows, and meetings. Not far from the airports in Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, and Gainesville, they are easily accessible and delightfully multipurpose.
World Equestrian Center Stadium
Sports: Horse shows, sand volleyball, flag football, lacrosse, soccer, marching band
The centerpiece of the broader World Equestrian Center is this top-notch stadium, a 150,000-plus-square-foot gem that specializes in horse shows and other special events. Put simply, those building itineraries or planning events in Ocala should not miss the World Equestrian Center Stadium, even if their competitions are not horse-related. Why? Because the arena has covered grandstand seating surrounding the field, not to mention amenities like concession stands, a high-caliber sound system, a 30-foot-by-60-foot LED wall, and enclosed areas to hold meetings.
Grand Outdoor Arena
Sports: Horse shows, sand volleyball, flag football, lacrosse, soccer, marching band
It is not quite as large as the main stadium at the World Equestrian Center, but the Grand Outdoor Arena covers 128,000 square feet and sits conveniently adjacent to the Equestrian Hotel. Moreover, it has remarkable amenities: two 30-foot-by-60-foot LED walls, a covered grandstand, alfresco dining, and all-weather footing. Those not yet sold on this venue’s robustness should consider that it plays hosts to some of the most prestigious intentional competitions, making it a well-respected equestrian arena with the versatility to host sand volleyball flag football, and lacrosse events, too.
Indoor Arenas 1-4 & 6
Sports: Horse shows, sand volleyball, flag football, lacrosse, soccer, marching band
Arena 6 is newly-opened and offers the unique opportunity to remove footing for an exposed concrete base floor, but Arenas 1-4 have been around and remain highly popular. They are climate-controlled, multipurpose buildings capable of accommodating 1,400 fans in stadium-style seating. Each one boasts a menu of attractive offerings: LED lighting, three LED Jumbotron screens, and high-speed WiFi, plus mezzanine suites overlooking the ring. That latter point is worth emphasizing, since guests tend to enjoy the more than 2,000 combined square feet of mezzanine space in Arenas 1 and 2, as well as the 5,000 square feet of mezzanine space in Arenas 3 and 4.
Indoor Arena 5
Sports: Horse shows, sand volleyball, flag football, lacrosse, soccer, marching band
Did you fear Indoor Arena 5 might be lost amid the descriptions of other sparkling venues in Ocala? Think again: this multifaceted complex offers 3,400 seats and a four-sided LED wall. There is sand-and-clay footing that can be covered when flag football, lacrosse, and soccer tourneys come to town, plus built-in concessions stands that simplify event hosting and make weekends in central Florida even more enticing.