Rendering of the LGCT Berlin showgrounds. Via LGCT
The Sommergarten at the Funkturm of Berlin will provide the stunning backdrop to the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League of Berlin, July 28-30, 2017.
The powerhouse city is new this year on the LGCT circuit, and joins the glittering line-up of world class destinations on the 2017 calendar. The event – Global Jumping Berlin – will celebrate its debut on the world’s premier show jumping circuit.
As the 15-event LGCT gallops past its midway point, this magnificent new destination will play host to Round 11 and with a confirmed prize purse of over 1 million Euros on offer over the course of the weekend, plus the world’s top athletes in action every day, there is sure to be high octane action and thrilling top sport on display.
“As one of the most important capital cities in the world, we believe Berlin will be a fantastic new location for our international series,” said Jan Tops, President and Founder of the Longines Global Champions Tour and Co-Founder of the Global Champions League. “Germany is a hugely enthusiastic horse nation and we are looking forward to welcoming an expert and enthusiastic audience to an event which is attended by the best athletes in the world. We are also looking forward to again working with Volker Wulff and EN GARDE, and we are confident that with this event we will be able to build a tradition in this dynamic and exciting city in the coming years. “
“Germany is a hugely enthusiastic horse nation and we are looking forward to welcoming an expert and enthusiastic audience.”
The Sommergarten at the Funkturm in Berlin is a centrally located, park-like green area on the grounds of the Messe Berlin. Approximately 10,000 square meters in size, the garden was originally created in the heart of the capital as a place of relaxation and peace, providing a unique ambience.
Since 1981, the Sommergarten houses a sculpture garden with works by contemporary Berlin artists. It is also the venue for annual summer concerts, which are presented during the IFA (the world’s most important trade fair for consumer electronics and home appliances).
In the skyline and as the perfect backdrop to the event will be the Funkturm – one of the most important landmarks in the city of Berlin. This iconic tower was built in 1926, originally put into operation for the 3rd great Deutsche Funk-Ausstellung, and now, with a height of 146.70 meters, visitors can look into the horizon far beyond Berlin’s borders from the tower restaurant.
“My team and I are delighted that Berlin is now cemented in the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League calendar,” said Wulff, Managing Director of the organizing agency EN GARDE. “For us it was always clear that we would like to do something in Berlin, but only if it worked at the highest level. Now this is undoubtedly feasible with the addition of the Global Jumping Berlin and Longines Global Champions Tour of Berlin: iconic in its layout, bustling with people and in a place that showcases the beautiful Berlin City skyline.”
Berlin joins the unique line-up of the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League calendar, which features Miami Beach, Paris, London, Rome, Monaco, Mexico City, Cannes and Doha as the world’s best riders battle it out for the prestigious top sport. For the past ten years the Deutsches Spring- und Dressur-Derby in Hamburg Klein Flottbek has been the only German leg of the Tour. Now, Olympic, World and European Champions, World Cup winners and many of the best international horses and riders in the sport will also be fighting for position in this round of action in Berlin.
The sporting program of Global Jumping Berlin includes the prestigious LGCT Grand Prix, hosted on Saturday, as well as two days of action from the thrilling Global Champions League where home team Berlin Lions will be looking for local support as they battle it out in the innovative team competition. Additionally there will be the prestigious Championat der Deutschen Kreditbank AG held on Sunday to finish a weekend full to the brim of world class sport and entertainment. The event will also welcome a CSI1* Tour, and national classes, and fans will be treated to three days of equestrian excellence. VIPs will enjoy luxurious settings, with the perfect view of the arena set under the iconic Funkturm tower.