World champion horses made their arrival to Eppley Airfield this morning to participate in the 2017 World Cup.
“We beat out places like London and Singapore to get this event, so we are getting noticed on an international scale."
Governor Pete Ricketts says this is a huge deal for Nebraska and it's been in the works for the last three years.
"It's going to have a big impact on our state, it's going to bring about ten thousand visitors and about 50 million in economic development."
This is Nebraska’s first professional world championship and organizers say at least ten thousand hotel rooms have been sold.
"A lot of work has been put into this in all countries, and quite a few continents."
The Omaha Equestrian Foundation says hosting the World Cup also familiarizes Nebraskans with the sport.
"We want to have Nebraska riding in the World Cup finals, so bringing the event here is a huge step for us."
The horses flew 11 hours straight from Europe on a Boeing 777.
"These horses have learned since they were very young to walk in and out of a vehicle, whether it's a horse trailer, or van, or an airplane."
Governor Ricketts says big events like this put Omaha on the map and opens doors for the city's growth and future attractions.
"Events like these present great opportunities to show off our great city, and how friendly our people are.”
“So we want to use this to attract future events like this."
