International Polo Club Palm Beach Looks Forward To A Competitive 2020 Season
Another world-class season of polo is about to return to the grounds of the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.
Beginning Sunday, Dec. 29 and continuing through Sunday, April 19, the 2020 season will welcome the best players and ponies from around the world to compete in the elite 18-goal and 22-goal tournaments.
The iconic venue spreads 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 both new and lifelong polo fans plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sport of kings. Each week, spectators are invited to attend the various matches held across the property with casual tailgating. On Sundays, guests can enjoy the exciting feature game on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field with even more hospitality options, including stadium seats, premium box seating, tailgates and field-side tables in the Veuve Clicquot Pavilion.
An impressive social scene and lavish brunch can always be found in the Veuve Clicquot Pavilion prior to the start of the traditional 3 p.m. match. Also returning this winter is the luxurious Celebrity Cruises Polo Lounge featuring all the VIP perks 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.
New 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 with an up close and personal view of the intense match taking place. Additionally, delicious new signature cocktails will be available for guests seated in the stadium and in general admission zones.
The 2020 season will feature an extensive competition calendar with three 18-goal tournaments and three 22-goal tournaments over the course of four months. The Herbie Pennell Cup will kick off the schedule on Dec. 29, followed by the Joe Barry Cup from Jan. 1 through Jan. 12. The Ylvisaker Cup tournament will take place next, from Jan. 11 through Feb. 2, concluding the 18-goal series. The decision to lower the tournaments from 20 goals to 18 goals was made so more teams and rising players could participate in the winter season.
The launch of the 22-goal Gauntlet of Polo series begins with the C.V. Whitney Cup tournament on Feb. 1 and continues with the start of the USPA Gold Cup tournament on Feb. 22 and the U.S. Open Polo Championship tournament on March 21. For the second year in a row, IPC will host the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Final on Saturday, March 21 on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field 1 to benefit Susan G. Komen.
In its inaugural year, the Gauntlet of Polo sequence 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 Curtis Pilot, mastered the triple champion title, claiming each 22-goal tournament and, therefore, obtaining the coveted Gauntlet trophy.
“We’re very excited to welcome back the 22-goal tournaments. Last year, some of the best polo I’ve seen in years was played in these matches,” IPC’s Director of Polo Operations Jimmy Newman said. “The players were very competitive, and I think we’ll see that again in this season’s Gauntlet series.”
Also returning for the 2020 season is the International Polo School at IPC. Now in its third year, the school allows new fans of all ages to learn the rules of the game first-hand with individual lessons, simulation training and team practices. The USPA-certified instructors are currently booking daily lessons and looking for individuals to fill the amateur-friendly low-goal league. For more information on lessons and the league, contact Gates Gridley at jgridley@equestriansport.com or (203) 232-6935.
In addition to world-class polo, IPC is becoming a hotspot for other popular field sports and special events. This November, the IWLCA Presidents Cup, the world’s largest female lacrosse tournament, will be held at IPC. This event alone will welcome up to 400 high school teams totaling to 7,000 female athletes. Back in 2017, the Florida Sports Foundation named IPC the Large Market Sports Venue of the Year, after it held several rugby, football and field hockey tournaments. Brides have also turned their sights on the fields of IPC, booking their fall, spring and summer weddings in the Pavilion or right on the main field.
“We’ve definitely seen a rise in our event reservations over the last year,” IPC’s Vice President of Event Operations Vaneli Bojkova said. “IPC is such a unique venue that has those picturesque backdrops and exclusive experiences that brides are really seeking out these days to make their wedding different from others.”
The polo club offers an extensive list of services and floor spaces for events of all sizes and styles and is now booking for 2020 and 2021.
The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. To learn more, visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.
International Polo Club 2020 Sunday Polo Schedule
December 29
Herbie Pennell Final (18 goal)
January 5
Joe Barry Cup (18 goal)
January 12
Joe Barry Cup Final (18 goal)
January 19
Ylvisaker Cup (18 goal)
January 26
Ylvisaker Cup (18 goal)
February 2
Ylvisaker Cup Final (18 goal)
February 9
C.V. Whitney Cup (22 goal)
February 16
C.V. Whitney Cup (22 goal)
February 23
C.V. Whitney Cup Final (22 goal)
March 1
USPA Gold Cup (22 goal)
March 8
USPA Gold Cup (22 goal)
March 15
USPA Gold Cup (22 goal)
March 21
U.S. Open Women’s Polo
Championship Final (22 goal)
Saturday Afternoon Game
March 22
USPA Gold Cup Final (22 goal)
March 29
U.S. Open Polo Championship
(22 goal)
April 5
U.S. Open Polo Championship
(22 goal)
April 12
U.S. Open Polo Championship
(22 goal)
April 19
U.S. Open Polo Championship Final (22 goal)
The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington.
For ticket information, visit www.internationalpoloclub.com/sundaytickets.
Tentative schedule, subject to change. Sponsors listed at time of print.
