High-Goal Polo Season In Full Swing At The International Polo Club Palm Beach
The exhilarating sport of polo has officially returned to the grounds of the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. Both new and seasoned polo fans came out for the opening day of the 2020 high-goal season on Sunday, Dec. 29 featuring the Herbie Pennell Cup final, which is well-known as the tournament that kicks off the exciting winter polo season in Wellington.
Next on the competition calendar is the Iglehart Cup from Jan. 1-5, followed by the Joe Barry Memorial Cup taking place Jan. 5-12. The 18-goal series wraps up with the Ylvisaker Cup, from Jan. 11 through Feb. 2.
The renowned Gauntlet of Polo series will commence next, hosting three separate tournaments of 22-goal competition. First up is the C.V. Whitney Cup from Feb. 1-23, followed by the prestigious USPA Gold Cup from Feb. 22 through March 22, and concluding with the historic U.S. Open Polo Championship, running March 21 through April 19.
Each season brings the best players and ponies from around the world to compete in the elite tournaments on IPC’s hallowed grounds. The iconic venue sprawls over 250 acres with seven state-of-the-art fields, a newly constructed polo arena, a spectator-friendly stadium and 7,000 square feet of indoor event space.
Based in the heart of Wellington, IPC offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the “sport of kings.” Each week, spectators are invited to attend the numerous matches held across the property with casual tailgating. On Sundays, guests can enjoy the electrifying feature game on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field 1 at 3 p.m. with even more hospitality options, such as stadium seats, premium box seating, tailgates and field-side tables in the Veuve Clicquot Pavilion. Delicious food vendors are available around the main field, as well as a Kids Fun Zone sponsored by Wellington Regional Medical Center for families to enjoy each weekend.
An impressive social scene and lavish brunch can always be found in the Veuve Clicquot Pavilion prior to the start of the celebrated 3 p.m. match. Also returning this winter is the luxurious Celebrity Cruises Polo Lounge featuring all of the VIP amenities guests would expect to experience at a polo event. The enjoyable atmosphere, coupled with a perfect field-side view, makes the Pavilion and the VIP Polo Lounge two of the most enviable tickets during the winter season.
In addition to the traditional Sunday high-goal calendar, IPC has added several other events to its schedule. For the first time, IPC will be hosting the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship in its custom-built sand arena located by Field 2. Set to run Jan. 2-11, the tournament has a rich history dating back to 1926. For the first time in the history of the event, competition will be played for a $50,000 prize purse.
In February, spectators can enjoy the U.S Polo Assn. 40-Goal Polo Challenge, to be held on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 3 to 6 p.m. on IPC’s Field 1. This is the highest-rated polo event in North America. The annual 40-Goal Challenge benefits the Polo Players Support Group, which provides financial assistance to seriously injured or ill players and grooms. The purchase of a VIP package includes tickets to the cocktail reception, seated dinner, and silent and live auctions following the 40-goal match and awards presentation. The 2019 40-Goal Polo Challenge raised more than $375,000, and this year’s goal is set for $500,000.
Returning for the second year in a row to IPC is the 2020 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Final on Saturday, March 21. The charitable, all-female tournament will take place on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field 1 as a 22-goal competition to benefit Susan G. Komen Florida. Tickets are available for stadium seats and tailgates, with a fun contest planned for the “best outfitted” tailgate theme and, of course, a halftime champagne pour and divot stomp will take place in between the third and fourth chukkers.
New developments this season include enhanced food and beverage options for all spectators and family-friendly ticket pricing. Lower-level sections in the stadium will now start at just $20, offering an up-close and personal view of the intense match taking place. Additionally, delicious new signature cocktails will be served for fans seated in the stadium and in general admission zones, featuring Old Hickory Bourbon. For the avid shoppers, the USPA Brand Shop will be open each Sunday behind the stadium featuring beautiful U.S. Polo Assn. clothing products and fun polo accessories. A smaller shopping location will be positioned on the east side of the field for spectators seated in the Veuve Clicquot Pavilion and east tailgates.
In its inaugural year, the Gauntlet of Polo series brought in a record number of participating teams to vie for the coveted $1 million prize and ultimate victory of three tournament wins. The Pilot Polo Team, led by patron Curtis Pilot, mastered the triple champion title, claiming the Gauntlet trophy. This year, 14 teams have registered to compete, including the reigning Pilot champions, all seeking to secure the $1,000,000 prize money purse.
Beyond world-class polo, IPC has become a hotspot for other popular field sports and special events. This past November, the IWLCA Presidents Cup, arguably the world’s largest female lacrosse tournament, was held at IPC. More than 20,000 athletes and spectators were on hand for competition on a total of 47 lacrosse fields. The inaugural Palm Beach Balloon Festival followed a week later, bringing in guests from all over Palm Beach County to view the amazing hot air balloons light up after dark on Field 1, while some spectators even took tethered rides up in the sky.
Brides have also turned their sights on the fields of IPC, booking fall, spring and summer weddings in the Pavilion or out on the main field. With picturesque backdrops and exclusive equestrian-style experiences, the venue offers one of the most unique wedding spots in South Florida. The club has made several great improvements to both its indoor and outdoor event spaces in order to stay with the trends of modern brides. Bookings for events of all sizes and styles are now being made for 2020-21.
To learn more about the 2020 season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, or to purchase tickets, visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.
