International Polo Club Ready For An Action-Packed 2017 Season
Every winter season, world-renowned players and polo enthusiasts flock to the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington throughout the week and on weekends to experience the electrifying sport of polo.
It is indeed a new year for polo in Wellington, as IPC was purchased at the end of the 2016 high-goal season by a new partnership headed by Mark Bellissimo. Bellissimo’s partnerships also own and operate the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the Winter Equestrian Festival, the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and the Wanderers Club.
Players and spectators will enjoy an enhanced polo experience for the 2017 season, thanks to major improvements made to the fields. Special attention was given to upgrading the stadium field, where Sunday’s featured matches are held.
Sunday polo has become a tradition at the International Polo Club. While club members have access to private box seats in the grandstand, an abundance of seating options allow guests to watch polo for as little as $30.
IPC also offers the opportunity for guests to tailgate on either side of the Pavilion. Polo fans can purchase a tent for the season, which includes 12 complimentary tickets, enjoying their own food and beverages.
The Pavilion, meanwhile, hosts more than 700 guests each Sunday for its Champagne Brunch. The Champagne Brunch features an ever-changing array of delicious culinary items spread out over various stations. A seat at brunch starts at $125 with tables available for groups. Beginning at $200, guests can snag a seat at the Coco Polo Lounge, which includes a specialty food display, a gift item, field-side lounge seating and a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne. With a fun atmosphere and a prime sidelines view of the polo match, the Pavilion is a prime ticket to the action.
During halftime, guests pour onto the field to ceremoniously stomp the divots, stepping on tufts of turf unearthed by the horses’ hooves. Spectators can enjoy complimentary champagne, mingle with others and see the latest fashions.
Families are always welcome at the International Polo Club. Free of charge this year, IPC will offer the Kids’ Fun Zone — an area near the bleachers that offers fun children’s entertainment while the match is on. Every week, new activities and special events will be presented to youngsters ages 5 to 10. Weekly features may include face painting, crafts, games, ponies, a petting zoo, a fire truck on display with education about fires, interactive sports with youth coaches, a giant slide, bounce houses or a rock climbing wall.
During the 17-week season spanning from Jan. 1 through April 23, IPC will host four 20-goal tournaments and three 26-goal tournaments, including the coveted C.V. Whitney Cup, the USPA Gold Cup and the U.S. Open Polo Championship, considered the top three polo tournaments in the United States.
Whether one prefers a low-key match on the backfields during the week or Sunday’s 3 p.m. featured stadium game, IPC offers options for all levels of polo enthusiasts.
The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For more information, visit www.internationalpoloclub.com or call (561) 204-5687.
