2016 marks the thirteenth season of high-goal polo at the preeminent polo grounds in the country: the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Home to the most prestigious tournament held on U.S. soil, the USPA 112th U.S. Open Polo Championship, as well as the venerable C.V. Whitney Cup and the USPA Gold Cup, it is not hyperbole when its said that the very best polo in North America will be played here in Wellington come January through April 2016. So with all that said, here’s what to look forward to this year. [We will keep updating this post as the season draws on.]
High-goal polo begins in earnest with start of the Joe Barry Cup on January 9 with a total of 10 teams taking part. Matches begin on Saturday at 1 and 3 p.m., followed by a triple-header on Sunday, January 10, with our very own team Palm Beach Illustrated taking center stage against Villa del Lago at 3 p.m. Tournament play continues throughout January, with matches on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with the Bobby Barry Cup Subsidiary semifinals scheduled for January 21, and the finals on January 24 at 12 p.m., and the Joe Barry Cup semifinals scheduled for January 20, and the finals on January 24 at 3 p.m.
With the Joe Bary Memorial Cup set to begin on January 9, we caught up with the captain of team Palm Beach Illustrated, Jared Zenni, to talk polo.
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Have trouble following the game of polo? We break down the terms and explain what to watch for during play. |
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Expand your horse knowledge at the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame. |
The Sweet Seats
IPC is taking things up a notch for 2016 with some new VIP experiences for polo fans to enjoy.
Photos courtesy International Polo Club Palm Beach | LILA Photo
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For those who prefer craft suds to champagne bubbles, the Funky Buddha Beerstream Garden will be serving an array of their crafty brews along side charcuterie. As an added bonus, those chilling in the tailgate section can get growlers filled for their mini parties—clunky coolers need not apply.
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For the coup de grace of premiere seating and party options in 2016, IPC is rolling in a vintage 1964 British Double Decker bus for the ultimate in party bus fun.
Equipped with lounge seating for 50, one-of-a-kind accommodations, and private bar, this big red bus is sure to be the most sought-after seat at IPC in 2016. Dubbed the Coco Polo Lounge, for $225 per person (January through February; $245 March through April), guests get a lavish gourmet brunch, two drink tokens, access to the lounge seating aboard the bus and private umbrella tables, as well as private cash bar, valet parking, and a pretty sweet swag bag.
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Returning this year, the Veuve Clicquot Airstream Lounge is the place to be. Bedecked in Veuve Cliquot signature yellow hue, the veranda offers superb sightlines of the field, while the fully refurbished 1971 Airstream acts as a backdrop to the coolest bar in town. While access to the Lounge is limited to just nine table of six each Sunday, it’s for good reason: the dining is second to none in the polo world, and it’s all served with a bottle of bubbly for good measure.
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At the Pavilion, the patio is getting a serious pop of color with the likings of Lilly Pulitzer taking over. With seats beginning at $100 per guest, the Lilly Pulitzer Patio guests can dine on a scrumptious gourmet brunch, sip on champers, and watch the best in the world of polo battle it out on the pitch, all under the tropical palette of a Palm Beach original.
 Rules & Regulations
Need help following the game? We break down the rules of polo, complete with a glossary of terms that are a must know. |
 Dress Code & Traditions
Dress the part and know thy roots with our guide to high-goal dress code and the traditions of the game. |
 Libations
Tradition doesn’t stop on the polo pitch. Here, we offer a few of the traditional libations found around the grandstands and the tailgate party. |
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