Where Should the New Home For the Select World Be?

By: Brittany Bevis

In early December, AQHA made the long awaited announcement that they would accept site bids for the AQHA Select World Show for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 seasons.

The Select World Show has been held in Amarillo, Texas since it’s inception in 2003; but, after feedback from competitors, it’s clear it’s time for a change. The qualifying period for the Select World Show is from June 1 – May 31 each year, and the show is typically held during the last week in August, ending on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Moving forward, it’s AQHA’s hope that these dates remain unchanged.

We did an “unofficial poll,” to ask our readers where they think would be the perfect new home for the Select World Show. Here are the results.

Here’s a brief rundown of the Top 5 contenders.

#1- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma- State Fair Park

Pros- Already home to the AQHA Youth World Show, AQHA Open and Amateur World Show, and a host of other equine events like the Redbud Spectacular, NRHA Derby, and Prairie Classic, OKC’s State Fair Park clearly has plenty of space and adequate facilities to host the Select World Show. It’s centrally located, which is a benefit for competitors coming from all over the country, and it’s in close proximity to many restaurants and hotels.

Cons- For those hoping for a little variety, two of three AQHA World Shows are held at this location already. Weather can be a little iffy towards the end of the year.

#2- Las Vegas, Nevada- South Point

Pros- The South Point Arena and Equestrian Center is a favorite among exhibitors for its close proximity to downtown Las Vegas. Competitors love that a short elevator ride downstairs from the Southpoint Hotel and Casino will take them to the two show arenas, 1,200 climate controlled stalls, and Cinch Saloon overlooking the main show pen. Another added benefit is you can watch classes live from your hotel room!

Cons- It’s easily accessible to those on the West Coast, but not so much to those competitors coming from the east and south. When the two main show arenas are underway with classes, there’s not a lot of indoor practice space.

#3- Tulsa, Oklahoma- Expo Square

Pros- Expo Square is home to the NSBA World Show and Pinto World Show. It has numerous, large, show arenas and practice space, both indoor and outdoor. Another benefit is its central location and close proximity to many restaurants and hotels. $21 million in renovations include the new Livestock Arena, Pavilion restoration, and new stalling barn.

Cons- Located within two and a half hours to the OKC facility, this location will have to compete for the top spot with a similar facility that already hosts two World Championship Shows for the association.

#4- Wilmington, Ohio- World Equestrian Center

Pros- The new World Equestrian Center is a beautiful facility with 100,000 square feet of climate controlled arenas with speciality footing and heated walkways. A really cool feature of this facility is the addition of onsite cabins, spa, and business center. Other amenities include onsite golf cart rental and 96 RV hookups.

Cons- Weather can be a concern this far north, but the arenas and stall areas are heated.

#5- Fort Worth, Texas- Will Rogers Memorial Center

Pros- This centrally located facility has undergone major renovation over the past five years with new outdoor, covered riding areas, more stalls, and new indoor arenas. It’s already the host to the AjPHA Youth World Show, ApHC Youth World Show, Appaloosa World Show and Nationals, and other events like the NCHA Futurity and Fort Worth Stock Show. It’s located right downtown and is surrounded by many restaurant and hotel options.

Cons- Some competitors aren’t fans of the paid parking that’s required at the facility.

Obviously, our unofficial poll has absolutely no bearing on where the Select World Show will actually end up, but it’s fun to speculate!

Any interested organizations or facilities hoping to become the new home of the Select World Show can complete the following form to submit a bid. Interested parties should return bids by January 16, 2017. Completed bids may be mailed to AQHA, c/o Pete Kyle and Valerie Smith, 1600 Quarter Horse Drive, Amarillo, TX 79104, or emailed to pkyle@aqha.org and copy valeries@aqha.org.