An artist's rendering of the track that will be installed at Tryon International Equestrian Center

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Tryon International Equestrian Center announced Thursday that it will soon install a custom-designed Mondo Super X 720 track, enabling the center to host full-track meets this winter.

GeoSurfaces, a TenCate Company, will install the new track and begin hosting meets in December 2025. 

The Indoor Complex at Tryon International is designed with more than 3,300 seats in close proximity to the competition areas and track, providing a dynamic experience for spectators. The new track will be multi-radius and will support a 12-degree banking, setting it up to be one of the fastest tracks in the country. This new 200m track replaces the one installed by GeoSurfaces in 2023. 

“We’re dedicated to providing the most cutting-edge surfaces and innovative design facilities for record-breaking performance at all levels,” said Jim Stalford, President of Tracks for TenCate. “Partnering with Tryon International on this significant addition to the region and their facility is a fantastic opportunity for us.”

A year-round events and entertainment center that has specialized in equestrian sports since 2014, Tryon International has expanded to host events and competitions for martial arts, wrestling, basketball, volleyball and pickleball, in addition to track, in recent years. The facility also offers ample onsite lodging, dining and shopping options for athletes and their families. 

Polk County hosted a handful of indoor meets last season at TIEC, though only field events and sprints could be run. The new track will allow full indoor meets to be held at the venue.

“It’s great to be working with GeoSurfaces on this project and expanding the track capabilities at our world-class facility,” said Doug Grondahl, Chief Operating Officer at Tryon International. “This track will attract high-profile events to Western North Carolina, significantly boosting the region’s prominence.” 

Tryon International has also hired a full-time indoor track meet coordinator, Ben Paxton. Paxton recently retired after a distinguished 36-year coaching career, including 32 years coaching track and cross country at Winthrop University.

A former Division I athlete at Florida State, Paxton also coached at Old Dominion, Mississippi State and FSU. He served on multiple NCAA committees, including as chair of national championships, and helped develop key policies still in use today. At Winthrop, he launched the indoor and outdoor programs, oversaw major facility projects and hosted more than 70 major meets.