PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILA PHOTO
The International Polo Club Palm Beach will begin its season on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, and is supported once again by a host of sponsors dedicated to the continuation and success of polo in the United States.
Since IPC first opened, it has been a staple in the polo community, attracting spectators, top international players and enthusiasts alike from around the globe to the heart of Wellington.
The prestigious cachet of the International Polo Club has become a coveted brand, attracting luxury sponsors seeking to align with the exclusive lifestyle personified by the elite sport.
Palm Beach is a legendary winter retreat for high-profile corporate giants, jet setters and scene-makers. Combine these signature traits with the passion, performance, sportsmanship and sophistication of Sunday polo, and you have an unbeatable partnership of titans.
“When luxury brands sponsor a high-profile sporting event, they choose one that will exemplify and elevate their image. This enables them to reach target markets with messages that resonate with their clientele,” said Mark Bellissimo, who purchased the polo club at the close of the 2016 season. “IPC embodies the messages that elite brands align themselves with: tradition, elegance, high performance, unparalleled quality and an inspiring sense of style.”
Partners seek maximum visibility, impact and exclusivity. Customized polo sponsorship packages include a variety of elements, such as tournament underwriting, media exposure, polo team and player awards, signage, onsite events and a prominent product presence at polo matches or special promotions. Social media has exploded, and savvy brands are also focusing on driving digital activation campaigns and creating a dynamic online presence.
The lineup of sponsorships for 2017 at IPC is impressive, with many loyal sponsors returning and new ones coming on board, as well as many more still in discussion. Here is what you can expect to see this polo season:
Engel & Völkers has renewed its naming rights for Field 1, the championship field in front of the grandstand, where Sunday’s featured matches and tournament finals are held.
Wellington Regional Medical Center returns as the official hospital partner for the winter polo season. This year, WRMC is sponsoring the Kids’ Fun Zone, which in 2017 will be open free for children. It will offer fun activities such as coloring, face-painting and other activities.
Veuve Clicquot maintains its position as the official champagne at IPC. A new Veuve Clicquot Champagne Garden at the Pavilion will be open to the public.
Seminole Coconut Creek Casino returns as the sponsor of the Coco Polo Lounge at the Pavilion. You can buy a brunch ticket on the IPC web site and upgrade the experience to the Coco Polo Lounge.
The United States Polo Association, which is the governing body of the sport in this country, and U.S. Polo Assn., its global licensing entity, are sponsoring several of the highest-level polo tournaments (26 goals) in the United States at IPC. Among them are the USPA Gold Cup and the USPA U.S. Open Polo Championship.
On the stadium side of the field, anyone with a general admission ticket is welcome to enjoy food items and specialty drinks at the Ketel One Kitchen, sponsored by Ketel One Vodka.
Additional 2017 sponsors include: AIG Private Client Group, FIPA Group, the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Lugano Diamonds and The Wall Street Journal.
Visit www.internationalpoloclub.com for more information, ticketing and sponsorship inquiries.
