The adrenaline sport of kings returns to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club to kick off the 2019 polo season Sunday, May 5, at the Engel & Völkers Polo Stadium. The 2019 season will feature action-packed tournament and special events, that are open to the public.
“We look forward with great anticipation our 2019 polo season at SBPRC,” said John Muse, board president. “We have a record number of teams and players participating at every level, from coaching league to Rincon League and our most competitive tournaments in May-August with our 12 goal and 16 goal levels.
“We are hosting the USPA Intra Circuit the last two weeks of June, with the six teams vying for not only the trophy but $50,000 in prize money for the first time in the history of our club. We have at least six teams for the high goal and possibly more.
“During July-August, polo will be going on in the arena, the Rincon 8 goal league and high goal with Sunday matches on field 2. There will be a lot of activation around the club in addition to polo, with kids’ tennis camp and various parties and mixers,” he said.
“We welcome the entire community back for another spectacular summer season,” he said.
The season opens with the 12 Goal Series (May and June) followed by the thrilling 16 Goal Series (High Goal; July and August), and closing out the season is the 8 Goal Series (September and October).
In addition, the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club will offer polo lessons and clinics at its Polo Academy and will host a variety of social events and happenings throughout the season, offering fun for the entire community.
“We’re looking forward to another incredible season of polo in paradise,” said David Sigman, general manager of the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.
“In addition to the exciting tournaments this season, we’re pleased to host a variety of new events and happenings, offering fun for the entire community,” he said.
“With something for everyone, from families and kids, to the social scene, to the players and teams that come here to compete among some of the world’s best — the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is one of the finest venues you’ll find in the country to enjoy the sport of polo, and so much more,” Sigman said.
The 2019 Polo Season kicks off on Cinco de Mayo, Sunday, May 5, with the Folded Hills Pope Challenge. Folded Hills is returning as the club’s official winery sponsor.
Check-in for Sunday Polo begins at 2 p.m., followed by the Pony Parade, the singing of the National Anthem, team introductions and the ball throw in to start the match at 3 p.m.
Sunday Polo is open to the public; general admission tickets start at $15, with a variety of seating options from grandstand seating to luxury cabanas. View the full season schedule by clicking here. Tickets are available online here.
The club’s after party continues (immediately following the trophy presentation at Sunday Polo). To open the season in Cinco de Mayo style, the May 5 after party will feature Big Joes Tacos, live music by DJ Fab, Patron Silver Margaritas, as well as games for the kids.
The after party is complimentary to attend with Sunday polo admission.
Friday happy hour at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club returns Friday, May 3, and is open to members and the public. Guests can enjoy deals on drinks ($5 margaritas) and bar bites, 4-6 p.m. every Friday, May-August.
With complimentary admission, guests can enjoy refreshments while watching the Friday polo match. Happy hour during the Silver Air Pacific Coast Open will be on 4-6 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 15, 22 and 29.
The Luxury Boutique at the club reopens May 5, offering a curated selection of chic apparel for men and women. It is open to the public every Sunday throughout the season.
The boutique showcases everything from casual, elegant women’s apparel, to handbags and accessories, sporty men’s brands and logo wear. The boutique is open Sundays during the season and for special events. Club members can enjoy discounts on merchandise.
Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club’s 2019 season sponsors include Engel & Völkers, Silver Air, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Belmond El Encanto, Lucchese, Ramsey Asphalt, KOPU Sparkling Water, Folded Hills, Bella Vista Designs.
Tara Gray, BlueStar Parking, Santa Barbara Magazine, and the Montecito Journal.
For more information about 2019 corporate partnership opportunities, click here. For more about the club and to buy tickets, visit sbpolo.com.
— Jennifer Zacharias for Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.