Tampa Equestrian Festival facts

Fast facts

Tampa Equestrian Festival

What: A hunter/jumper horse show circuit featuring riders of all ages and horsemanship levels

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Where: Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N U.S. 301, Tampa

Admission: Free

Highlight: 1 p.m. Wednesday, $30,000 Grand Prix of Florida

Directions: Interstate 275 to Interstate 4 eastbound. Take Exit 6 (Orient Road) and turn right off the ramp. There will be a sign for the fairgrounds entrance immediately on the left. Check in at the security guard gate for entry.

American Invitational

What: The 38th annual $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational. Often called the Super Bowl of show jumping, the American Invitational is one of the country's toughest tests of the skills of horse and rider. The competition is named this year for its founder.

When: Saturday. The public can walk the course with the riders from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Showtime is 8 p.m.

Where: Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa

Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com or by calling (813) 287-8844 or (727) 898-2100. Advance tickets are $15, $30, $35. Day of $20, $35, $40. Advance family four-packs are $50, $100. Day of $65, $115. Advance tickets for groups of 20 or more are $10 and $25.

Christina K. Cosdon,

Times correspondent