May 20, 2017
Tryon International Equestrian Center is a year-round venue located in Mill Spring, NC and is the world’s premier Equestrian Lifestyle Destination showcasing some of the top riders in the Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Eventing disciplines.
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Saturday Night Lights is a Grand Prix equestrian event featuring food, fun, live music, and the highest level of competitive show jumping at Tryon International Equestrian Center on select Saturday evenings throughout the year. Bring the whole family: admission, parking and carousel rides are all free! The activities start at 6:00pm with the competition to follow at 8:00pm.
Saturday Night Lights events run during spring, summer and fall horse shows.
FAQ:
When should I come?
The gates open at 6:00pm, and the fun and activities start early, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy them all before the competition starts at 8:00pm. The on-site restaurants are open during Saturday Night Lights, so make an evening of it and plan for dinner as well!
What sort of activities are there?
Every week there will be face-painting, performers, free rides on the venetian carousel and a live band – there is truly fun in store for guests of all ages! Before the competition, you can catch a glimpse of riders warming up for the Grand Prix, and throughout the evening we’ll have dance contests, the kiss cam, and t-shirt tosses. There are a variety of new activities to enjoy and sights to see each time. In the past there have been fire twirlers, acrobats, magicians, mechanical bull riding, sand-castle building, shag dancing competitions, vintage car shows and craft beer festivals.
What’s there to eat?
There are a number of delicious on-site restaurants ready for you to enjoy on Saturday Night, whether you’re in the mood for casual fare or fine dining—to see their listings and menus, Click Here. They even have a wood-fired pizza oven out during the show, as well as a barbecue, frozen yogurt, cotton candy and other treats!
What stores are open?
A number of the equestrian show vendors in the cabins adjacent to the main ring are open during Saturday Night Lights, offering clothing, jewelry and much more. Tryon Tack and its mobile store selling all the latest Tryon gear are also open.
What kind of competition is it?
Saturday Night Lights features a Grand Prix show jumping event where expert riders from all over the world guide horses around a course and over jumps almost 5 feet high, which is nearly the same level as at the Olympics! Riders that make it around the course successfully will return for the jump-off, a high stakes shortened course that determines who wins first place and the largest share of the prize money—over $100,000! For more information about show jumping, visit Horse Show 101 Page.
Where do I sit?
All the stadium seating is first-come first-served, and there isn’t a bad seat in the house! Also, The Legends Club offers a reserved VIP table with great views of the ring and an elegant dining experience for members. For more information, Click Here.
What if it rains?
All events are rain or shine —some of the most exciting jumping competition is in the rain! They only cancel or postpone a competition if the weather is severe to the point of risking the safety of horses or humans.They will post on Facebook if there are last minute cancellations, postponements, or other changes.
For a Saturday Night Lights highlight video, Click Here. We hope to see you under the lights soon!