Kentucky could realize a $167 million economic benefit from the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, a significant increase from early projections of $150 million, organizers said.

The 2010 Games will be held for the first time in the United States at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park. The world championships in eight equestrian sports will be contested from Sept. 25-Oct. 10, with as many as 60 countries represented.

The study, conducted by Paul Coomes, PhD, professor of Economics at the University of Louisville, shows a direct impact to state and local governments through payroll taxes and taxed purchases by spectators in regional hotels, restaurants, retailers, and car rentals.

Current ticket sale projections estimate that more than 85% of Games spectators will come from outside Kentucky, bringing new dollars into the region’s economy. Current ticket purchasers are averaging five days of attendance, and the lodging that comes with those visits could account for more than $20 million in spending on accommodations alone