Future filled with opportunity
INNOVATION EMBRACED AT SPRUCE MEADOWS
In many respects it seems like only yesterday when an eager, excited and somewhat curious group gathered on a spring day on this property to mark the official opening of Spruce Meadows. It was, however, more than four decades ago when the roots of this “unlikely facility in this unlikely place” were planted and took hold.
What a journey of discovery it has been over the past 40 years — a journey that each of us can reflect upon with pride, enthusiasm, differing perspective, and with a certain sense of accomplishment. Our 40th anniversary celebrations of a year ago will always be cherished and our spectacular Founders Plaza is a lasting tribute and testament to those who have contributed so much to Spruce Meadows for all of us to enjoy.
Throughout 2016 we will celebrate our history and look to our future; a future that all of us here are committed to and excited about. Indeed, the future of Spruce Meadows is bright. It is full of opportunity, with plenty more for us to discover.
Spruce Meadows is proud of the special relationship we enjoy with each of our stakeholders. Many of our corporate partners have been with us for decades. Their commitment and belief in our endeavours has made it possible for the athletes to enjoy the very best competitive experience, no matter what level they compete at, from the pony divisions through to the Grand Prix. That support also allows our fans to enjoy the best sport and facilities at a very affordable price.
At Spruce Meadows there are always ways to improve and innovate. Each year we invest to improve the Spruce Meadows experience for all of our stakeholders. The improvements underway this year are diverse and expansive, each considering one or more of Spruce Meadows’ cherished stakeholders.
The projects are designed to benefit fans, sponsors, athletes, officials and media for many years to come.
Once complete, the new facilities on the southeast corner of the International Ring will offer improved facilities and an enhanced location for fans, media and athletes.
We have also just completed the installation of entirely new footing in each of our warm up and training areas. This significant investment in allweather Geotextile footing will be welcomed by both horses and riders, as will the new expanded stalls we are offering in the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) stable that are 20 per cent larger than those required by the governing body.
Recently Spruce Meadows was voted No. 1 by the North American Riders Group. It is an award we are proud to have won on six consecutive occasions since its inception, and we do not take it lightly.
There were 1,300 tournaments eligible for consideration and all of us at Spruce Meadows were honoured and inspired by the recognition. Each year we listen to feedback from the Riders Group and make improvements where possible. The same holds true of you, our fans, and all of our stakeholders.
The 2016 Spruce Meadows season of international sport again welcomes fans, athletes, media and corporate partners from around the world. Our season this year exquisitely frames the games of the Rio Olympiad, with many athletes using our Summer Series as a final preparation. Just weeks after the medal presentations in Rio, the world’s best now return to Spruce Meadows for our ‘Masters’ Tournament.
Spruce Meadows is committed to organizing and hosting the very best tournaments in our sport. In doing so, our team is focused on continuing our long-standing traditions of education programs, quality entertainment, unique shopping and family-oriented programs for you to enjoy around the grounds.
Please, take the time to discover all that Spruce Meadows has to offer throughout the year.