For the first time ever, the World Equestrian Games will be held outside Europe, with Lexington, Ky., as host, in 2010. As Lexington prepares for this world stage, the city will be drawing on an expanded broadband network to keep event-goers in touch with up-to-the-minute happenings at the races – not just from the stands, but via the Internet from shops, restaurants, hotels and elsewhere downtown.

The games will demonstrate how a world-class sporting event can benefit from world-class technology, made possible in part through support from the Knight Center of Digital Excellence.

For example, advanced, high-speed communications will mean tighter security, greater ease in ticketing and even in finding the right bus from one point to another at the event. New technologies will also notch up operations in the press box and in keeping race statistics.

And when the World Equestrian Games are over?

Lexington will enjoy lasting benefits. Its leaders envision applications in areas such as healthcare, education and equestrian pursuits.

Watch this space for updates on Lexington and other Knight communities around the U.S.