The World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala, Florida has announced several major expansion projects to enhance the experience for visitors and exhibitors at the prestigious 378-acre equestrian facility. WEC, which opened in 2021 and hosts dozens of national and international equestrian competitions annually, is adding new shopping, dining, lodging, and event space options over the next few years.
The Shoppes Off 80th: Doubling Retail Footprint
One of the most anticipated projects is The Shoppes Off 80th, an 80,000-square-foot outdoor shopping venue scheduled to open in 2025. Located adjacent to the existing Riding Academy Hotel (opening summer 2024) and future Event Center, The Shoppes will add 31 new retail spaces for luxury brands, boutiques, restaurants, and more.
According to WEC, this new shopping village will effectively double the current retail footprint on the property. WEC is now accepting reservations from retailers interested in securing one of the 31 spaces that will comprise The Shoppes in an “elegant design concept featuring multiple storefronts and a park-like promenade.” Marketing materials highlight the heavy foot traffic driven by equestrian events, hotels, and existing shops that retailers can benefit from.
The Riding Academy Hotel Offering Nearly 400 Rooms
In addition to more shopping, WEC is increasing its lodging inventory substantially with The Riding Academy Hotel currently under construction. Slated for completion in summer of 2024, this new pet-friendly hotel will add almost 400 rooms and suites adjacent to the existing Equestrian Hotel.
The Riding Academy Hotel promises upscale accommodations tailored towards equestrian exhibitors and other visitors. Guest rooms and suites will have separate sleeping and living quarters, pull-out sofas, microwaves, coffee makers, and other upscale amenities. The hotel will also feature an outdoor pool, fitness centers, and a Starbucks-operated café.
State-of-the-Art UF Health Facility
WEC has also begun construction on a 10,000-square-foot University of Florida Health physician office facility, part of a larger complex that includes an additional 10,000 square feet of retail space. As a founding partner of WEC, UF Health will provide on-site access to academic medical care for guests and exhibitors. The new physician offices are slated for completion in 2024.
180,000 Square Foot Event Center Coming in 2025
One of the largest expansion projects is the highly anticipated Event Center at WEC, encompassing 180,000 square feet across five stories. This impressive new venue is scheduled for completion in summer of 2025.
The Event Center will provide expansive new event-hosting capabilities with a 500-person grand ballroom, flexible meeting rooms, bridal suites, banquet halls, covered outdoor balconies, and a sprawling event lawn and pavilion. The $100 million facility will also add four new dining concepts, including two rooftop restaurants and bars.
With state-of-the-art amenities and lavish décor, the Event Center aims to attract equestrian banquets, trade shows, weddings, and other social events to WEC. The facility’s cutting-edge technology and amenities, combined with WEC’s unique setting, will allow event planners to craft truly one-of-a-kind experiences.
Even More Growth on the Horizon
As WEC continues pursuing excellence, further expansion projects are in store beyond the major developments launching over the next few years. One future addition in the planning stages is Indoor Arena 6 to join the current lineup of five climate-controlled competition arenas.
Indoor Arena 6 will provide a dedicated facility for FEI-level dressage within WEC’s existing complex of covered arenas. The new arena will be accompanied by seven supplemental outdoor rings for further dressage training and warm-up.
Continuing a Legacy of Equestrian Excellence
Since opening less than two years ago, the World Equestrian Center has already established itself as one of the premier equestrian facilities in the United States. WEC was developed by the Roberts family of Ocala, who also founded the prestigious equestrian community of Golden Ocala nearby.
The current WEC campus spans over 300 acres and contains fifteen outdoor competition rings plus five climate-controlled indoor arenas. On-site lodging, dining, and shopping create a fully immersive experience for exhibitors and spectators attending signature equestrian events held annually.
With these new expansion projects, WEC is poised to continue growing its offerings and setting even higher standards for the equestrian industry. As construction moves forward in phases over the next few years, visitors can look forward to enjoying an ever-expanding array of exceptional amenities befitting WEC’s world-class reputation.