Baltimore, Md. (September 26, 2023) – The third edition of the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory is less than a month out and event organizers with Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland are hard at work putting final touches on one of the most illustrious equestrian events in the United States and the world.
Hailed as an equestrian triathlon featuring an international field of riders and their horses with four days of Eventing competition featuring Dressage (Thursday-Friday), Cross-Country (Saturday), and Show Jumping (Sunday) set to take place, along with an outstanding array of special events, entertainment and attractions throughout the weekend geared towards the entire family, makes the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill the premier destination this October.
All of the excitement takes place in Elkton, Maryland, part of Cecil County, where visitors will discover the fall beauty, small town charm, award-winning restaurants and so much more that the county has to offer.
Tickets for this spectacular event, powered by Tixr, are still available, including a variety of single and multi-day packages, providing access to all of the Event grounds. Reserved Seating and General Admission (GA) tickets start at just $15 (GA tickets are free for kids 10 and under).
One of the more popular packages going fast are the reserved tailgating packages during the exhilarating Cross-Country phase held on Saturday of the event. For those looking for a front row seat for all the action, visitors can enjoy the rope-side hospitality tent with plenty of comfortable covered seating in the Sawmill Waterfront Club on Saturday as well. Presented by Quarry View Building Group, the Sawmill Waterfront Club provides an exclusive experience with stunning views of Fair Hill.
For an enhanced experience, guests can make the most of their time at the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill with a Johnnie Walker VIP Hospitality Tier 1 East 4-day package. This package includes access to a gorgeous, glass-enclosed hospitality tent overlooking the Main Arena, featuring delicious food and an open bar with signature cocktails from Diageo brands the beverage sponsor of the event.
Additionally, guests will have a covered, reserved seat with premium views of the competition located directly off of the indoor VIP hospitality tent for easy access back and forth. Guests watching the action will have the opportunity to interact with athletes via the press conference area that will be part of Tier 1 as well.
Guests looking for a multi-day experience can enjoy the Korbel Tier 2 West Club with a 3-day package that includes a VIP Parking Pass, access to the private Korbel Club & Lawn featuring delicious food and beverage, CCTVs, private restrooms and more, plus, a covered reserved seat in the designated Club sections enclosed by a privacy railing for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Beverages will be available from BreakThru with brands such as Reyka Vodka, Herradura Tequila and more featured throughout the weekend. On Sunday guests will be able to join CCI3* & CCI5* riders in their victories with a winner’s toast with Korbel Champagne in the Club.
Throughout the weekend, guests can take in an array of fantastic special events and entertainment attractions for the entire family. Guests 21 years and older are invited to experience the Local Beer, Wine & Spirits Expo by Bog Turtle Brewery & Elk River Brewing Company on Saturday, October 21 as both will be featuring a custom beer, designed just for the event. The BWS Expo is now included with a Saturday ticket purchase. The Fresh Food Fest held in partnership with Upper Shore Regional Council will be serving up fresh, locally sourced food on Sunday, along with a selection of delicious food trucks throughout the venue. Admission to the area is free with purchase of any valid Sunday ticket.
New this year is the Kids’ Zone, packed with fun and engaging activities for the Maryland 5 Star’s youngest fans. Kids of all ages are welcome to join us in the Hill Side Area to find their way through the hay maze, meet and learn about some of the most famous horses of all-time at the Hall of Champions and more. Amid the excitement of the Show Jumping phase on Sunday of the event, an adorable pack of corgis will take the field for the Maryland Corgi Cup presented by Major League Eventing, in pursuit of the coveted title: Fastest Corgi in Maryland.
And new for 2023, the introduction of MD5Star Radio powered by Brown Advisory. Fans will have the opportunity for the first time to purchase a radio (earpiece) in advance of and during the event (based upon availability) and listen to all of the same commentary from the live broadcasts and stream throughout the competition.
In addition to the CCI5* action, guests can also watch the very best in competition with champions being crowned during three of the four days of competition with the USEF CCI3 Star-Long National Championship taking place each morning during event week, along with the USEA East Coast Nationals for Young Event Horses, ages 4 and 5 on Thursday and Friday. Adding to the excitement is that this year’s event serves as an Olympic Qualifying Event and U.S. Selection Trial for the Paris Olympics in 2024.