Mill Spring, NC – October 9, 2016 – Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) is proud to present the first annual Suncast® Turf Series, featuring three weeks of world-class show jumping competition on the new TIEC grass complex. The 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District showcases six weeks of hunter/jumper competition, highlighted by three weeks of FEI competition, including two FEI CSI 3* and an FEI CSI 5*, which will award more than $2 million dollars in prize money.

“Suncast® is excited to continue our long-standing involvement with equestrian sports,” said Tom Tisbo, CEO of Suncast® Corporation. “The rider athletes and their supporting teams exhibit such hard work and dedication.  We have been a Tryon sponsor before, and every year we are amazed by the level of competition at these events. We take pride in knowing that, while we use these opportunities to build awareness of the Suncast® brand, we are also helping to grow this wonderful sport.”

The Suncast® Turf Series will host three separate classes on TIEC’s impressive 13-acre engineered grass complex, while several other weekly competition opportunities will be offered throughout the fall. The multi-million dollar complex is TIEC’s newest innovation and can support up to six large 180x335ft. riding arenas that can be repositioned in numerous configurations to keep riders and horses engaged within a variety of site-lines.

The 2016 Suncast® Turf Series will include the following classes: a $25,000 Suncast® Commercial Grand Prix on Sunday, October 16, an $86,000 Suncast® Commercial 1.50m Classic CSI 5* on Sunday, October 23, as well as a $25,000 Suncast® Commercial Grand Prix on Sunday, October 30.

The grass complex utilizes the latest in turf technology featuring a hybrid Bermuda grass called TifTuf Turf, which requires 38% less water irrigation, provides longer growing sustainability and season, as well as an ability to “repair” itself more quickly than traditional grasses. The entirety of the field also has been grown using a proprietary organic material called Mirimichi Green, contributing to the thickness and longevity of the turf. Most importantly, the TifTuf Turf used across the field is developed with ESI international footing surface of specialized sands, organic materials, and synthetic fiber installed on top of a six-inch high drainage system.

The complex was put to the test during the 2016 Nutrena® USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Land Rover, when nearly two inches of rain fell within a 45-minute time period, showcasing the complex’s durability, as it was immediately rideable with no pooling of water or disruption to the traction of footing.

“Our customers have a great interest in grass rings and unfortunately the options are increasingly limited. The experiences for competitors can be less than satisfying, as most grass rings in this country are just existing fields that are used for riding and are highly susceptible to weather events, as well as accelerated wear and tear after just a few classes,” explained Mark Bellissimo, Managing Partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners (TEP). “By the end of the second or third day, most rings experience footing deterioration and introduce risks for both horse and rider, which changes the dynamic of the competition.”

“With six engineered grass arenas, these rings will allow us to provide weeklong competitions for both hunters and jumpers. We will be introducing these weeklong competitions in the spring of 2017 and they will flow into both our summer and fall circuits,” he continued.

Several other classes featuring both hunter and jumper competition will take to the Grass Complex during the 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District. Tryon Fall IV will host a High Junior/Amateur Owner 1.40m Class presented by Asheville Regional Airport and an $8,000 1.40m Open Jumper Classic presented by Nutrena® on Friday, October 14, ahead of offering a $10,000 High Junior/Amateur Owner 1.40m Classic presented by Asheville Regional Airport and a $25,000 Suncast® Commercial Grand Prix on Sunday, October 16.

Tryon Fall V will feature a $35,000 1.45m FEI Speed Stake CSI 5* presented by Horseware® Irelandand $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Friday, October 21. A $10,000 Under 25 Grand Prix will precede the $86,000 Suncast® Commercial FEI 1.50m Classic CSI 5* on Sunday, October 23.

Tryon Fall VI is set to conclude competition on the Grass Complex and will offer a $8,000 1.40m Open Jumper Classic presented by Nutrena® on Friday, October 28, ahead of a USHJA National Hunter Derby. A $25,000 Suncast® Commercial Grand Prix on Sunday, October 30, will conclude competition for the season at the venue.

TIEC also plans to open nearly two miles of the highly acclaimed cross-country track, outfitted with the same grass footing surface as the Grass Complex, to exhibitors wishing to exercise, graze, and condition their horses on the property grounds.

Coinciding with the Suncast® Turf Series, TIEC will offer spectators prime viewing of the competition while overlooking the derby field as part of the new “Derby Days” event series, beginning Sunday, October 16, and continuing through Sunday, October 30. “Derby Days” will begin at 12:00 p.m. each Sunday of the Suncast® Turf Series and will feature VIP tent seating including a full brunch menu, special family friendly activities and much more! To reserve your seating, please contact legendsclub@tryon.com.

To learn more about Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and the 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District please visit www.tryon.com.

About Suncast® Commercial
Suncast® Commercial is a market leader in high-quality resin, wood, and metal products made in the U.S.A. for over 25 years. By listening and valuing consumer input, they have been able to grow and adapt to meet the end user’s needs with every item they deliver. Their product range covers material handling, waste management, storage, and seating solutions. They also manufacture a wide variety of custom wood structures to enhance any outdoor environment. From graceful gazebos to elegant pergolas and pavilions, each impressive accent marries comfort, function and style to uniquely complement your space.

Suncast®, the parent company of Suncast® Commercial, has expanded their business over the years by listening to the wants and needs of their consumers. They are industry experts in outdoor storage and garden products that are sold worldwide through major retailers, and have extended their reach into the commercial space with Suncast® Commercial. Suncast® Commercial takes pride in creating high-quality, innovative, and thoughtful products for the commercial space.