The Westminster Kennel Club's 137th Annual Dog Show Makes History With Expanded NYC Venues, Live-Streaming Coverage And WKC-Branded App

NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Westminster Kennel Club is proud to announce its upcoming 137^th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, America's second-longest, continuously-held sporting event, to be held on February 11-12, 2013 in New York City. In order to accommodate its growing pool of dogs, handlers, vendors and spectators, for the first time in the Show's history, The Westminster Kennel Club will stage this iconic event in two spectacular venues - Madison Square Garden and The Piers (92/94) on Manhattan's West Side at 55^th Street. 

The increase in space achieved by expanding to The Piers presents spectators with the opportunity to better experience the competing 3,200 dogs of 187 breeds and varieties in a more highly interactive manner. Benching returns every day between 8am to 6pm, empowering dog lovers to meet and visit with a favorite breed or the individual dog they wish, and furthering the Club's legacy of educating the public about purebreds and responsible dog ownership.

Maintaining tradition, Group Finals, Junior Showmanship Finals and Best In Show will take place at Madison Square Garden each evening, with competition beginning at 8pm on Monday and 7:30pm on Tuesday.  At Madison Square Garden, benching for each day's breed winners begin at 6pm. Competition will be televised live on CNBC (Monday) and USA Network (Tuesday) beginning at 8pm ET each evening.

Two categories of tickets for the Show are available for purchase on The Westminster Kennel Club website. The Piers ticket is a full-day, general admission ticket priced at $25 that grants one day's entrance to both Piers 92 and 94, including all benching and judging held at the venues. Tickets to The Piers may also be purchased at the door on the days of the Show. Madison Square Garden tickets, priced at $50 per evening, include reserved seating for the evening and access to the benching areas where daily Best of Breed winners will greet their fans.

For 2013, The Westminster Kennel Club will also enhance its technological offerings, including an exclusive, WKC-branded SmartPhone App that provides event attendees with a digital 2013 Show Guide.  And, for the first time, The Westminster Kennel Club will also stream live coverage of the breed judging during the days on its website www.westminsterkennelclub.org, showcasing -- as it unfolds and in its entirety -- the complete judging of all 187 breeds and varieties.  Since 2005, judging highlights only had been carried on the website, on a delayed basis.

"The changes in our 137^th show will enhance the Westminster experience for dog aficionados and our followers everywhere," said Westminster Kennel Club President Seán McCarthy. "We are more excited than ever to share our show with exhibitors, spectators at the Piers and at the Garden, and people from all over the world who will be watching on television and online."

For additional information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.westminsterkennelclub.org and please follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

For press inquiries, please contact: 5W Public Relations.

SOURCE The Westminster Kennel Club