Champagne and Ponies, Polo Season Starts Now!

Since 1893, the English have been entertaining by both man and equestrian in the historical game of polo.   Polo is the spectator sport where loyal fans sing high praises to both jockey and animal whether they ride Quarter, Arabian or a Thoroughbred horse.   If you live in one of our Boca Raton communities such as The Polo Club Boca Raton, or Woodfield Country Club, perhaps you're looking forward to this year's polo season starting January 3rd and running through till April 24th.  With over 250 active Polo clubs in the United States, the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) is one of the finer clubs attracting both international and local spectators.  Located approximately thirty minutes from downtown Boca the IPC is an ideal place to bring guests, visitors, and clients. There are many traditional events throughout the day such as Sunday champagne brunch, croquet and a fun zone for children of all ages.  President John Wash of IPC deemed this year's winter polo season as "Lucky 13" since IPC will be celebrating their 13th season. The venue added new attractions like the Red Double Decker bus and the "Veuve Clicquot" Airstream Lounge. Polo fans are loyal to their sport for many reasons but let's look at why polo is a way of life for many.

The community of Polo and its modus vivendi isn't just about men on horses with mallet's smacking a ball down a field.  Polo has a social scene that's very high.  Many of the rituals such as the "divot stomp"  happens during halftime and is an interactive part of attending by which the audience steps onto the field to assist in filling holes created by players and horses during the game.  In most reviews people often comment on the divot stomp being a big attraction.  Many of the riders and horses join the crowd making this an exciting exercise for both spectators and jockeys. If you're planning on walking, this age-old tradition, you may want to wear comfortable shoes. 

Shoes are not the only attire that needs to be comfortable.  Wearing cool clothing that screams high fashion is not only necessary, but it's also what you can expect. Since polo has been adopted by the affluent, you can expect that fashion, style, and beautiful clothing are customary.  Bright and colorful textiles, over sized hats and yards of linen help create festive and elegant backdrops thriving with haute couture. Although you will see a lot of men wearing jeans with sports coats, you'll want to be dressed according to whom you'll be in sharing your surroundings.   If you'll be attending a polo match that's a charitable event, it's advised to dress in more formal attire.  Women are seen wearing chic designs, large designer hats, and in-vogue pantsuits sending out a Seventh Avenue semblance. Suggested attire for the gentleman would be loud prints and white colored pants, a jacket or collared shirt that is tucked in with matching belt, shoes, and sunglasses.  Many men attending are seen sporting brazen-printed shirts that gleam with character.   You'll be in the presence of celebrities and high dignitaries throughout the day and maybe during brunch so be sure to look your Sunday's best.

A champagne brunch is part of the delightful ways to start the event on Sunday afternoons at IPC. They serve brunch before the match that includes an enticing menu paired with "Veuve Clicquot" champagne. You can purchase your tickets online before your visit to the field. "Veuve Clicquot" is a stadium sponsor that hosts several champagne tables within the restaurants and stadium at a cost of $50 and up. Tickets can be purchased online before your visit at the field and cost between $100 and $400 in various venues throughout the stadium.

Less than a 30-minute drive to the venue the newer features of the club await you. The Red Double Decker Bus, a beer garden sponsored by Florida's Funky Buddha, and additional seating has been added to replace the lawn seats and give you more options for your day at the field.

Gates open at 9:00 am with trophy's being awarded at 6:15 pm making this a full day of festivities. This year's schedule will start Sunday, Jan 3rd for the Herbie Pennell Cup 20.  The IPC will host the Triple Crown of Prestigious Polo Tournaments like the USPA C.V. Whitney Cup, the Maserati US Open, and the Piaget Gold Cup.  Check the calendar for upcoming dates.  Aside from the tournaments, IPC hosts many other sporting events.

International Polo Club manages a myriad of activities and sports such as the American Youth Soccer Organization, Junior District Lacrosse, and National Field Hockey Championships which are national competitions.  The size and length of the nine fields along with seating capacity make the stadium a nice choice for many of these sporting events.  A word of warning: You'll want to bring binoculars to the field since it is 300 x 160 yards and sometimes hard to see.

The stadium holds over 1600 people and is the largest structure for watching Polo in the United States! The International Polo Club Palm Beach rolls out the red carpet with features such as a kid's fun zone, croquet, bocce ball, several tailgate areas and a private tailgating exclusive to members.

Options for seating include lawn, bleachers, and stadium.  Stadium seating starts at $30 and goes up from there.   Box seats price out at $150 and are close to the Lilly Pulitzer Patio that offers a champagne Sunday brunch that includes a gourmet meal, entertainment and, of course, a chance to relax.  Mallet Patio Tent seats 200 people and is first come, first serve.  You can sit poolside or patio whatever you prefer. Private areas are available for celebrities and the elite crowd upon request. The 7th Chukker pavilion holds 100 people and has several private seating areas in both the veranda and restaurant. The Wellington Zone offers self-parking for $5, and seats can run between $10 up to $120. It's best to contact the office before your visit and ask what accommodations are available. You'll find that a day at IPC is affordable for most everyone even when you include the kids.

Palm Beach Atlantic University and the International Polo Club have a solution for bringing your children to tournaments.  The Kid's Fun Zone opens at 2:30 pm and hosts activities such as a bounce house, petting zoo, a rock climbing wall, food and beverages.  There's a minimal cost of $10 per child but considering your child can stay for the entire day it's well worth it.  This program is also sponsored by the Nicklaus Children's Hospital and the Jupiter Medical Center. The fun zone can be rented out for private parties and is one of the many perks of the facility.

The spectacular grounds offer more than just being a spectator.  This venue is ideal for charitable events, corporate events, weddings, and galas.  There are several amenities available when planning your celebration. The event planners will help you select what's right for your day at the park. Horse drawn carriage, fireworks, top world catering, canopies, and flowers or accouterments make the grounds magical and memorable when you add finishing touches.

The club located in Wellington is open to the public and is a great way to meet people if you're new to the area, or simply a fan of the fast paced Equestrian sport known as polo. If you're seeking a great place for high goal polo, the International Polo Club Palm Beach will not disappoint.

Contact us for more information regarding properties in and around the equestrian estates or in Boca Raton.