Top-level equestrian events demand extensive organisation, with specialist horse-related infrastructure, VIP areas, spectator seating and media facilities just some of the many requirements. Add to this an advanced audiovisual system, sitewide communications, large-scale broadcast deployment, and the fact that the project incorporated not one but two events, taking place in what was originally a car park in the centre of Riyadh, and it’s fair to say that this is a considerable undertaking. “We also had an extremely tight timeline of just four weeks, so the project required an extraordinary level of expertise, coordination, and problem-solving,” stated Bona Fide’s Technical Director, Martin Lauth, recalling the epic task.
Bona Fide was entrusted with delivering the 2024 Global Champions Arena Tour (GCAT) as well as the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT), with the project led by Matthias Maurer of Bona Fide and executed by Matt Larkin’s Special Projects team. Given the blank canvas of a 200,000 sq m parking facility in Riyadh’s Financial Centre, more than 1,500 tonnes of materials including a specialised footing for optimal horse performance and energy-efficient lighting for sustainability were required. “This project set a new benchmark for temporary equestrian venues, merging engineering and event production for an elite sporting experience,” Lauth stated.
Photos: Bona Fide
