August 2024 Update: Watch Us Grow at World Equestrian Center – Ocala

With new buildings opening and others proceeding soon, World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) continues to impress as one of the most celebrated equestrian facilities in the world. Recently honored as one of 50 hotels and resorts to make the Time World’s Greatest Places annual list, WEC is celebrating the opening of the new University of Florida Health Center and Indoor Arena 6 and is preparing for the opening of a new Event Center as well as The Shoppes Off 80th in 2025.  The experience for exhibitors, visitors and guests on the 378-acre facility is always evolving and improving.

The University of Florida (UF) Health at World Equestrian Center

UF Health officials and WEC leaders on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, celebrated the completion of a new 10,000-square-foot medical facility that continues the system’s push to expand its nationally recognized health care services for people living in or visiting the Marion County area.

The location features eight exam rooms, two procedure rooms, a retail pharmacy, and X-ray imaging.

“We are excited to be part of this globally recognized venue, growing with it as it continues to innovate and draw even more visitors to our region,” said Steve Motew, M.D., M.H.A., FACS, president and system CEO of the UF Health clinical enterprise. “We share your commitment to excellence and your passion for quality.”

UF Health Pharmacy – World Equestrian Center began caring for patients, families and pets in July. The pharmacy offers prescriptions, immunizations, vitamins, first-aid supplies, over-the-counter medications, and more.

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Indoor Arena 6

The expansive Indoor Arena 6 opened in July and hosted its first competition with the Hampton Green Farm’s WEC July Dressage Show. Indoor Arena 6 was purpose-built for dressage. It offers another spacious, climate-controlled environment with ideal dressage footing, plus grandstand spectator seating, all located close to dedicated dressage stabling.

Dressage trainer and rider Karen Lipp made a seven-hour drive from Georgia in order to compete at WEC – Ocala.

“We love the facility even though I live in Atlanta,” she enthused. “And the air-conditioning is a godsend because it’s 100 degrees out. When you drive into the facility you never have to leave again, and my non-horse person husband Tony [Bordwell] loves it too. Indoor Arena 6 is new, and they did a really good job. It’s worth going — I’d rather drive there than the venue two hours away from me.”

The Shoppes Off 80th and The Event Center at WEC

The Shoppes Off 80th, an 80,000-square-foot outdoor shopping venue, will be situated adjacent to The Riding Academy Hotel and the Event Center at WEC. Effectively doubling the property’s existing retail with 28 new units, visitors and guests will be able to browse a swath of unique storefronts featuring luxury brands, all in one convenient location.

From top-of-the-line technology to the finest finishes throughout its four stories, the Event Center at WEC will bring more than 180,000 square feet of traditional meeting space and four additional dining concepts to the property, including two rooftop restaurants and bars. As an impressive new venue, the Event Center will be equipped with a grand ballroom, meeting rooms of varying sizes and pre-function space, a dedicated bridal suite, banquet space, covered balconies and an expansive outdoor event lawn and pavilion. Construction is currently underway.

To stay updated on all of the developments at WEC – Ocala, please visit Ocala Development Updates.