British Open Show Jumping

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lizrob

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30 April 2008
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Having just watched the British Open Show Jumping Championships from Birmingham on Horse and Country TV, I found it so sad that on the Saturday Night Puissance there were so many empty seats. When it was held in Sheffield you couldn't get a seat on Saturday or Sunday. Why is it that promoters always think that it is better to hold so many things down South. The Horse of the Year I can understand due to the amount of space needed venue wise. The British Open held in Sheffield was central and accessable to many people, Birmingham should be but they appeared to vote with their feet by not attending which is such a shame. Why change a success. How do other forum members feel?
 
I would love to have gone as Birmingham is quite close - Sheffield is too far for me. The only reason we didn't go is because the price for tickets near the front was too much and I have rubbish eyesight and can't see from very far back
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I was there and the atmosphere was really disappointing due to lack of spectators. I think there are a few reasons for the lack of people, the tickets were way too expensive, the format of the show can be a bit confusing unless you watch every day and can follow the points league and also I don't think the show is really established in people's minds yet-I think unless it becomes more popular in coming years it will sadly fade away.

With regards to venue Sheffield was too far away for southern visitors and Birmingham is central for the whole country and is easily accessible for foreign riders with the airport next door.
 
What's central about Sheffield? The NEC is in The Midlands, thus called as it is in the middle of the country & more accessible to more people. There are great motorway links, there is Birmingham International Railway Station next door, as is Birmingham International Airport. There is no reason for people not to travel. The venue is also massive & can provide all the space that is required to stage an international event & kep the riders very happy & they appear to be happy with this venue.

As for Ticket prices...... as with anything 'Equestrian' it is sold at a premium.
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I am equidistant from the 2 venues and prefer the NEC as Hallam is too small and the wrong shape for show jumping. The shopping area in marquees attached to the outside was rubbish too.
 
I was there puissance night and yes it was a shame about the lack of people there but I think it is nothing to do with the venue but far more to do about the schedule for that session and the cost and as mentioned above that it is a relatively new show.

I went last year to saturday day time and it was basically full but there were two full international classes. Puissance night has just that the puissance and the knockout, the vast majority of the 'main' riders will not be in either class so not really visitor friendly. In my opinion a good speed class would have had more of the top riders (with their second horses) and been a better set up for the visitors. Ticket costs for it being a new show were in my mind too high but least the shopping was 'ok'! LOL
 
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