Uttering the words “Super Bowl” can create unrivaled excitement, team spirit, a hunger for game day food, and a passion for premiering commercials; in fact, those very words just might represent an American phenomenon like no other. But the ecstasy of the game brings the crowds, the traffic, and all that accompany them, especially if you happen to be in the Valley of the Sun for Super Bowl XLIX this year.
But what about one of the premier events in the horse industry, the Arizona Sun Circuit being held in Scottsdale? Since the last day of competition this year coincides with the Big Game that will be held 34 miles from WestWorld, GoHorseShow.com wondered if the exhibitors were affected by the frenzy at all, especially when it came to travel plans, accommodations, and more.
Additionally, aside from game day, other newsworthy events are happening at the same time in the Valley, including the Phoenix Open, the annual golf tournament which, thanks to Tiger Woods playing this year, may draw its biggest crowds in its 80-year history.
What we found is that while the monumental events all presented some obstacles in their path, true to the nature of horse people, Sun Circuit exhibitors persevered. Many rallied to support one of their favorite shows of the year, and the numbers proved it.
“We are up just a bit on stalls and entries, so the Super Bowl had little effect,” explains Show Director Doug Huls. “It says a lot for how resilient our exhibitors are.”
The determination was displayed by their willingness to work around the inconveniences and do some extra planning. Drs. Candice Hall and Cory Seebach, owners of AQHA stallion, Machine Made, live in British Columbia, Canada. Because they knew the Super Bowl would affect their travel, they wisely planned ahead. (pictured above right)
“We booked our hotel a year in advance, and our rental car costs more this year. But since we’re Seahawks fans, we decided to stay an extra day to attend the big Super Bowl party at Twisted Lizard in Scottsdale. We decided not to miss this one!”
While they stood outside trainer Robin Frid’s barn enjoying the Arizona sunshine, Tara Anderson of Pennsylvania and friend Shannon Wacker of Minnesota both shared stories of hindrances they had to conquer just so they could attend.
“I’m leaving Sunday night to avoid airport traffic on Monday. Hotel costs were sky high, so I had to do some planning ahead of time. But it’s a good show that we look forward to every year and it’s a nice break from winter for us,” explains Tara. “Car rental costs were quoted at more than double from last year,” adds Shannon, who explained managing that cost made it much trickier for them this year.
Because of the extra costs that aren’t normally part of the routine, Huls reveals that exhibitors had to use other options. “Many more utilized the WestWorld RV lots,” he says.
“We ended up bringing our RV because it was hard to get a room – all the hotels were very expensive,” agree Patti Hunter and Heidi Smith of California. “We only did that this year because the Super Bowl was in town.”
“Hotels were ridiculously expensive,” adds Bobbie Shaw of California. “You had to prepay and it was nonrefundable, but that was also caused by the Pro Bowl, the Phoenix Open, and more. However, it didn’t deter us, because it’s such a great horse show. The caliber of this show is unbelievable, so we’re always thrilled to attend.”
Shaw’s barnmate Katie Klein, who also rides with Trainer Tonya Brown, agrees. “Honestly, it hasn’t affected us a lot. We just got here early and will leave after the rush.”
Kelly and Samantha Ihde, also of California, chime in with stories of the adapting they will need to do so they didn’t miss such a big show. “We were told by the rental car company that if we leave Monday, we have to return the car four hours before the flight due to long lines! So we decided we’ll leave on the latest flight Sunday, or during the Super Bowl itself!”
Even though trainer Gil Galyean said he had a few clients choose to opt out, the game itself had only a small effect on their plans for the weekend of the game itself. “We’ll probably just leave Saturday afternoon. Numbers have been great, and it’s always an amazing show.” Galyean’s client, Bill Cox of Ontario, explains he has felt no impact, since he plans on flying out at noon on Sunday.
“Not much could keep us from coming to this show, so we brought our living quarters trailer,” smile Tate and Jamie Oakley of Oakley Show Horses of Whitesboro, Texas. “This is one of our favorite shows!”
Kay Mortensen of Showtime Show Clothing couldn’t agree more that the magic of Arizona Sun Circuit prevailed overall. “The game was not a deterrent in the slightest. I’ve been coming here for 22 years, and it’s my favorite horse show of the year!”
