Aachen, 29. Juni 2008

Soers Sunday attracts 37,500 visitors
In total therefore 44,750 spectators recorded on the first weekend

The salesman at the Langnese stand couldn't even say how much ice cream he had sold because of the onrush of people: Amid brilliant sunshine 37,500 visitors poured in to the show grounds of the CHIO Aachen 2008 (June 27th - July 6th) to attend the traditional Soers Sunday, presented by Warsteiner. On the first weekend, the tournament recorded an overall attendance figure of 44,750 spectators including the Soers Sunday, the vaulting competitions and the "Horse & Symphony" concert.

Klaus Pavel, Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV), officially opened the Soers Sunday at 1 p.m. together with Frank Kutsch of the Warsteiner Brewery and the Aachen City Riding Corps by tapping the barrel. Prior to which an ecumenical church service had been held. "At last the weather is on our side," said an overjoyed Pavel. "Enjoy the many things the tent city has to offer and the interesting supporting programme."

And that is exactly what the visitors did too: The show programme of the Soers Sunday, a free event, included as well as a novice jumping competition of the District of Aachen Equestrian Sport Association, also a presentation of therapeutic riding and a show programme performed by the Lobberich group, who staged an Hungarian Thanksgiving Festival, which received loud applause from the spectators. Whereas the youngest guests enjoyed pony rides, the parents relaxed with a cold drink or wandered around the exhibitor tents in the shopping area. The exhibitor surface measuring 14,000 m², offers the visitors a wide array of goods, ranging from Mercedes-Benz cars to equestrian sport items and jewellery through to the CHIO mascot, Karli.

Opening hours of the CHIO Aachen 2008 ticket sales:
Sunday, 29.06.2008 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, 30.06.2008 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, 01.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, 02.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, 03.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, 04.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, 05.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, 06.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ticket hotline: +49-(0)241-917-1111