The Fair Hill Organizing Committee (FHOC), an affiliate of the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (The Sport Corp.), has announced that these highly anticipated reserved Tailgate spots right next to the dynamic Cross-Country action are available at Maryland5Star.us/Tailgating. Each spot will provide tailgaters an incredible experience at this year’s inaugural event, October 14-17 at the newly constructed Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton, Maryland (Cecil County). The cross-country portion of the competition will take place throughout the day on Saturday, October 16.
The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is one of only two five-star level events in the United States, and just the seventh worldwide. The event’s prestigious five-star (CCI5*) designation is the pinnacle of the Olympic sport of Eventing, best described as an equestrian triathlon. The four days of eventing competition will feature dressage (Thu-Fri), cross-country (Sat) and show jumping (Sun). In addition to the CCI5*-L, the event will feature a three-star level competition (CCI3*-L), which is serving as the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship, and The Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships Presented by Dubarry of Ireland.
“We are so excited to offer this fantastic tailgating experience at the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill,” said Marissa Melzer, Ticketing & Hospitality Director. “The chance for families, friends, and/or co-workers to be together outdoors for a day at beautiful Fair Hill this Fall, while enjoying their favorite tailgating menu so close to these elite athletes and horses is sure to be an experience they’ll never forget!”
There are a variety of opportunities strategically selected at several locations including 74 “Rope Side” spots along the four-mile five-star cross-country course with incredible views of both the five-star and three-star competitions and another 49 spots along the three-star course with views of the three-star competition only but within short walking distance of the five-star course. There will also be an option for general tailgating spots within easy walking distance of both courses. Shuttle service will be available for convenient access to Retail Vendor Areas, concessions, and other entertainment going on in the infield.
Purchase of a Tailgating Pass (Rope Side or General) includes one (1) car pass and six (6) Saturday General Admission tickets. All Rope Side Tailgating spaces are 16 ft. across and sufficiently deep to allow cars to back in and tailgate in the front of their space with lots of room. Tailgating Tents can be rented for use in Rope Side spaces for $250 (personal tents will not be permitted for the safety of the athletes, horses, and spectators). Tailgaters will be allowed to bring in their own food and beverage. An assortment of picnic style catering options will be also offered for purchase by the event caterer as well.
Prices range from $500 for a space along the five-star course, $300 for a space along the three-star course, and $250 for a General Admission space. Additional General Admission tickets beyond the six included with the space can be purchased to accommodate extra guests at a cost of $35 in advance. Tailgating move-in will be Saturday morning prior to the start of the 3 Star competition with flexibility for a second round of move-in (and move-out if desired) in the mid-day period between the completion of the three-star competition and the start of the five-star
To reserve one of only a select amount of these exclusive Tailgating spots along with further information, competition schedule, and all other ticket packages, visit www.Maryland5Star.us or contact Marissa Melzer at [email protected].
Event Organizers will continue to monitor health and safety protocols. Updates and policies as deemed necessary will be available through the event website.
About Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill:
One of only two 5 Star events in the United States, and seventh worldwide, the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill will continue the storied legacy of Eventing at the new Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton, Maryland, located in Cecil County. The prestigious 5 Star (CCI5*-L) designation is the pinnacle of the sport of Eventing also known as the equestrian triathlon. The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is produced by The Fair Hill Organizing Committee (FHOC), an affiliate of the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (The Sport Corp.), and in partnership with Fair Hill International (FHI). The Maryland Food Bank serves as an event beneficiary.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.
Last month, readers met VIP Volunteer Rebecca Proetto, who volunteered at the MARS Maryland 5 Star horse inspection. This month, the focus turns to husband and wife Ed and Leanne Barnett who introduced Proetto to the art of running an efficient horse inspection at Maryland. Ed and Leanne undertake a 12-hour drive from their home in Indiana to Maryland just to volunteer at the event.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Sara Kozumplik’s five-star partner As You Like It at the age of 34. The gelding died in his sleep at his retirement home at Kozumplik's parents' residence.
The 2024 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 (EA21) National Camp is just a little over a month away and all over the country, young riders are preparing for their trip to Ocala, Florida, to participate in this year's prestigious week-long academy led by U.S. eventing legend David O'Connor. This year's camp takes place Dec. 31, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025, and will feature classroom sessions, guest lecturers, and in the saddle work as a group to help strengthen the foundation of each rider selected to participate.