Newport Polo

North America, Polo News

Chaps vs. Yanks: Newport Polo Reliving a Historical Rivalry

8. September 2021

Newport, RI (September 2, 2021) …. Yet another spirited battle looms on the horizon as England make their way to Newport to take on the patriot, Team USA, in a major highlight of the Newport International Polo Series’ 30^th Anniversary Season.

Scheduled to take place on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 4PM at Glen Farm, minutes from the Newport waterfront where the British landed, the Labor Day weekend rivalry between the two nations has, since the Polo Series’ inaugural season, reconstructed the overseas power’s 1778 assault on the locals on this very week.

“The English have long held the upper hand over its colonies by going to battle well prepared, and likewise are bringing a crack team to challenge us this year,” evaluates Dan Keating, USA Captain and Polo Series Founder, “but defending our turf has its advantages, as we are nearly tied at 10 wins to 8.”

The history of the Anglo-American sporting matchup dates back over one hundred years ago, when a newspaper publisher, James Gordon Bennett Jr., viewed a Polo match in London and gathered his fellow American sports enthusiasts to try out the game at home. His ardor for Polo was indeed shared by his peers and thus was founded the first Polo Club in America, in Newport, RI. An international challenge was made in 1886, inviting the English to compete in Newport in the Westchester Cup, predating the modern Olympic games. The Westchester Cup continues to this day, as does its sailing counterpart, the America’s Cup, tennis’s Davis Cup, and golf counterpart, the Rider Cup.

Polo Match Lawn tickets are available online at www.nptpolo.com and at the gates. Pavilion seating upgrades will be available after the first chukker, with an admission purchase for Lawn seating. Standby seating options including Tailgates & Chalets at Gametime, 4PM at the Main Gate, first come first serve.

America’s oldest polo club hosts the 30^th season of the Newport International Polo, with matches every Saturday, in June through September. As one of the most unique and popular attractions in New England, the matches feature the home team competing against different international and US rivals each week, and a host of associated events.

This Saturday’s match will include a special holiday seafood celebration menu, by advanced reservation, as well as a Silent Auction at the Pro Shop, located in the polo grounds’ Vendor Village, which will feature vintage New England sports and British music memorabilia, and a stunning equine photographic work of fine art by internationally acclaimed international artist. Auction proceeds will bolster the record-breaking results of Newport Polo’s annual charity gala, benefitting the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports music and arts in Rhode Island schools as well as partners like the Amos House, St. Mary’s Home for Children & Family Services, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence, and Button Hole. Items can be previewed here.

The International Polo Grounds are located on the acreage of Glen Farm, 250 Linden Lane (off Route 138) in Portsmouth, RI, minutes from Newport’s bustling harbor. This bucolic setting along the East passage of Aquidneck Island, enjoys a moderating coastal effect in summer for pleasurable afternoon polo spectating throughout the summer. The property is the last 100 acres of a pre-colonial settlement from the 1600’s that became the Town of Portsmouth’s original gentlemen’s farm, an 800-acre manorial estate established during a Gilded Age movement of retreat from the high life into pastoral country acres.

Its classical 19th century stone barns and its park-like grounds were rehabilitated by Polo Series founder, Dan Keating in the early ‘90’s and continue to thrive as an equestrian and community recreational property, and home of the Polo Series. Read about its restoration.

The Newport International Polo Series is proud to roll out its 2021 sponsors including Brenton Hotel, Davitt Inc., TD Bank, Turkish Airlines, Modern Luxury Boston, Herb Chambers Exotics, Vanderbilt International Properties, Hotel Viking, Veuve Clicquot, Polo House Privé, Clarke Cooke House, Stella Artois, US Polo Association, Goslings, ROCKSTAR Limo, McGrath Clambakes and Catering, Classical 95.9 WCRI, and promotional partners including Newport Helicopter Tours, The Cocktail Guru, Hannoush Jewelers, Newport Jaguar Tours, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport Mansions, Newport Music Festival, Island Surf and Sport, Northeast Equestrian Life and Audrain Automobile Museum.

“Our sponsors have been with us since the beginning. Without their support, the Series would not be as extensive as it is,” explains Keating.

About Newport Polo: Newport Polo, home of America’s First Polo Club, celebrates the 30th Anniversary season of the Newport International Polo Series, featuring public exhibition polo matches every Saturday, June – September. Founded in 1876, charter member of the United States Polo Association, Newport Polo offers year-round polo club membership and polo instruction.

Newport, RI (September 2, 2021) …. Yet another spirited battle looms on the horizon as England make their way to Newport to take on the patriot, Team USA, in a major…

Lifestyle, North America, Personalities & Clubs, Polo News

Newport Polo’s Bon Voyage Ball Goes Platinum

20. August 2021

Newport, RI (August 19, 2021) ….The comeback tour for the 20th annual International Polo Charity Ball was a smash hit, reaching platinum status, shattering the past polo ball record in total fundraising, to benefit the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation.

Over 400 generous and fun-loving attendees heralded the evening’s success, exceeding $80,000 in fundraising for the foundation’s mission to support initiatives and organizations that keep music and the arts in our public school systems and provide food, shelter, and a safe haven for families and children in need.

Anticipation was at an all-time high, following a COVID-induced postponement of the original 2020 event date, as the sold-out guest list held on to their tickets for an extra year to join the celebration. Gaiety commenced at the evening’s first port of call on the Newport waterfront for a meet & greet reception at The Brenton, where Honorary Gala Ambassador, Jeffrey Osborne, glad-handed party-goers and highlighted the impact his organization has in Rhode Island to an enthusiastic guest list.

Then, the ship cast off for its next destination, the famed Rosecliff mansion where a red-carpet entrance felt like a walk-of-fame, as grammy nominee, Jeffrey Osborne, once again greeted arrivals and posed for pictures in the iconic marble foyer.

Guests of honor, the Dominican Republic Polo Team held court below the terrace, alongside Newport Polo Ambassadors, Meg and Jeremy Stowe. All the while, photographer Cocoa & Co captured the magical moments in progress.

Tropical chic, vintage glam, and nautical couture were on full display, as the creative black-tie theme opened a plethora of options for statement attire as the promenade moved to the terrace where jewels of land and sea awaited in the curated silent auction. Dominican-themed libations were poured by renowned mixologist, The Cocktail Guru, as yet more photos ops from the Sundeck overlooking the Rhode Island Sound were put to full use.

Sounds of perennial favorite musical ensemble, Decades by DeZyne, called the party to order in the grand ballroom to get to the heart of the evening. As the inspired 3-course Dominican dinner menu was laid out by expert Blackstone Caterers, Newport International Polo Series Founder, Dan Keating, inaugurated the main event with his welcome remarks and introductions:

Dominican Republic Polo Team: Mauricio Bogaert, Rafael Castillo, Alexander Schad, Agustín Arestizabal
Jeffrey Osborne Foundation:Sherri & Jeffrey Osborne and Foundation board members
Sponsors: Matty Lopes/Pannone Lopes Deveraux & O’Gara LLC, Brenton Hotel, The Cocktail Guru
Patrons: Lynn & Bill St. George, Laurel & Robert Howe, Mary & Peter Jenkins, Lisa & Andrew Maillet, Beth & Thomas Maxfield, Stephanie & Blaine McBurney, Sue & Peter Metzger, Stacie Mills & The Royal Order of Fun, Caroline Brown, Kim & David Resare, Thomas Roose, Judy & Michael Wyzga
Auction Committee: Charlayne Osborne (Chair), Jeffrey Osborne, Terrell Osborne, Arnold Hackett, John Harwood, Brian McKinnon, Greg A. Mercurio Jr., Stacie Mills, Mary Roda, David Schultz, Meg Stowe, Meghan Ziobro, Agnes Keating, and Ocean State Charity Events

A cameo performance by Jeffrey Osborne brought the house to its feet with his hit single On the Wings of Love. Then, Southeby’s master, Hugh Hildesley presided over the whirl-wind live auction of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including a private dinner and concert with Jeffrey Osborne.

Competitive bidding ended the live auction while guests circled with dessert for a final chance at the silent auction bounty before the band struck up to fill the dancefloor ’til the stroke of midnight. Docked once again, the evening’s finale landed at Bannister’s Wharf for the last dance at the famous Clarke Cooke House Skybar.

View the event Album.

Newport, RI (August 19, 2021) ….The comeback tour for the 20th annual International Polo Charity Ball was a smash hit, reaching platinum status, shattering the past polo ball record in total fundraising,…

North America, Polo News

Jamaican A Legacy: Newport Polo Hosts USA vs. Jamaica

20. August 2021

Newport, RI (August 19, 2021) …. Team Jamaica makes its triumphant return to Newport, as the players arrive to challenge Team USA in the continuation of the Newport International Polo Series’ 30^th Anniversary Season this Saturday, August 21st at 5pm.

The British Army brought Polo with them to Jamaica in the late 1800s, and the sport has remained a cultural mainstay in the Caribbean nation ever since. Jamaica’s rich Polo history first intertwined with Newport’s in 1994, and the renowned teams have become great friends and even greater rivals.

“Team Jamaica’s stamina on the dance floor is only outdone by their intensity on the field,” explains Dan Keating, Polo Series Founder, “and even though it’s a heated match, the vibe is always fun and friendly.”

For Jamaican and American players alike, Polo is often a family sport. A love for the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping sport gets passed down the generations.

Shane Chin, Jamaica’s Team Captain since 2005, was introduced to the sport by his father, Junior. Junior Chin was one of the inaugural Jamaican players when the team debuted at the Newport International Polo Ground in 1994.

27 years later, Shane Chin will bring an all-star roster of Caribbean players with him to face team USA in Newport. Doug Henderson, Adam Laing, Charlie Chambers round out the talented Jamaican team.

At the match, local Caribbean eatery, Hummingbird Newport, will be serving up Jamaican culinary mainstays including Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, and rice and peas. Meals can be reserved online.

Lawn tickets are available online and at the gates. Pavilion upgrades will be available after the first chukker, with an admission purchase for Lawn seating. Standby seating options including Tailgates & Chalets are available at Gametime, 5PM at the Main Gate, first come first serve.

The International Polo Grounds are located on the acreage of Glen Farm, 250 Linden Lane (off Route 138) in Portsmouth, RI, only minutes from Newport’s bustling harbor. This bucolic setting along the East passage of Aquidneck Island, enjoys a moderating coastal effect in summer for pleasurable afternoon polo spectating throughout the summer. The property is the last 100 acres of a pre-colonial settlement from the 1600’s that became the Town of Portsmouth’s original gentlemen’s farm, an 800-acre manorial estate established during a Gilded Age movement of retreat from the high life into pastoral country acres.

Its classical 19th century stone barns and its park-like grounds were rehabilitated by Polo Series founder, Dan Keating in the early ‘90’s and continue to thrive as an equestrian & community recreational property, and home of the Polo Series. Read about its restoration.

“Our sponsors have been with us since the beginning. Without their support, the Series would not be as extensive as it is,” explains Dan Keating, Polo Series founder.

About Newport Polo: Newport Polo, home of America’s First Polo Club, celebrates the 30th Anniversary season of the Newport International Polo Series, featuring public exhibition polo matches every Saturday, June – September. Founded in 1876, charter member of the United States Polo Association, Newport Polo offers year-round polo club membership and polo instruction.

Newport, RI (August 19, 2021) …. Team Jamaica makes its triumphant return to Newport, as the players arrive to challenge Team USA in the continuation of the Newport International Polo Series’…

Polo News

Newport Polo Hosts Davitt Classic: Father’s Day Polo Match

19. June 2020

The Davitt Classic replaces USA vs. Argentina this Saturday, June 20 at 5pm in the Newport International Polo Series, to the pleasure of a loyal and significantly reduced audience of spectators that will witness the only live sporting event in the Northeast since the pandemic lockdown.

The players are primed, the field is in mint condition and the forecast is ideal for a 6-chukker Father’s Day special. Nearly sold out, tickets are available online only at www.nptpolo.com.

Safety being a top priority, RI State approved COVID-19 safety measures are in effect at the polo grounds this season including online sales, masks required when not seated, social distancing and greatly reduced capacity. The full details can be found at https://bit.ly/2AZDTGi

On hand for the Official Coin Toss to start the match will be Dave Whitney, VP, General Manager of Davitt Inc – New England’s award-winning pioneer design/build firm and industry leader since the 1980’s, credited with the enhancements to the Pavilion & Patio Bar last season, and renown for hundreds of distinctive homes created or restored throughout the Northeast region.

During the match, beverage service will be offered for patrons seated within the Davitt Pavilion, and carry-out service will be available for patrons in Tailgates & Chalets from the Patio Bar. See Hospitality & Amenities for details and menus. Specialty vendors in the Vendor Village at the polo grounds include the Newport Polo Pro Shop. See Hospitality & Amenities for details and menus.

After 6 periods, called chukkers, the match will conclude with the Newport Polo Fan Salute around the perimeter (no hand slapping), a unique tradition originating at the Newport International Polo Series in 2003, and now emulated around the world, and the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Toast & Trophy Presentation of prizes shown on the Jumbotron.

Jumbotron messages can be requested through the online portal. Submit Now

Dating back to 1876, the polo matches are one of Newport’s grandest & most popular traditions, a living legacy from the Gilded Age, and open to the public. Spectator audiences enjoy the contests and festive atmosphere at the picturesque polo grounds, on the 140-year old, restored acreage of historic Glen Farm, where the home team – Newport/USA – meets challengers each season from around the world and as well as teams representing major US cities.

The Polo Series is scheduled to continue for the next 15 weeks, every Saturday in June through September. The schedule of teams is subject to change, per State mandates in effect on international travel and Adult Sports competition.

Newport Polo’s unique spectator experience involves Tailgating in a system of assigned seating at its exhibition venue that it developed several years ago on its proprietary website & box office, which provides online reservations for parking spaces around the polo field from which to observe the polo match. Those parking spaces are now separated by safe social distancing to a limited capacity which is a modest subset of its regular audience, to comply with COVID-19 safety measures that have been approved by the State of Rhode Island. The venue also has an outdoor seating Pavilion that has been revised to comply with the State’s guidelines for outdoor seating with wait service.

Minutes from downtown Newport, the International Polo Grounds are located at historic Glen Farm, 250 Linden Lane (off of Rte. 138) in Portsmouth, RI. This bucolic setting is the last 100 acres of what was once a 700-acre manorial farm whose settlement dates back to the 1600’s. Its classical stone barns from the Gilded Age and its park-like grounds were rehabilitated by polo series founder, Dan Keating, and thrive today as an equestrian & community recreational property, and home of the Polo Series.

The Newport International Polo Series is proud to present its 2020 sponsors including Gallo|Thomas Insurance, Davitt, Boston Common, Hotel Viking, The Chanler, The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina, Vanderbilt International Properties, Veuve Clicquot, Clarke Cooke House, Stella Artois, ROCKSTAR Limo, Atria Senior Living, Goslings, McGrath Clambakes and Catering, and promotional partners including The Cocktail Guru, Newport Jaguar Tours, Newport Helicopter Tours, America’s Cup Charters, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport Mansions, Island Surf and Sport, Newport Sport Fishing Charters, Providence River Boat Company, and Newport Harbor Guide. Special thanks to Schultz Marketing Partnerships, Van Liew Trust, Tanglewood, and WCRI Classical Rhode Island. “Our sponsors have been with us since the beginning. Without their support, the Series would not be as extensive as it is,” explains Dan Keating, Polo Series founder.

For specific details about the players, concessions & amenities for this match, plus venue information and other details, sign up to receive the Game Day Briefing on Saturday, by private subscription (sign up). Stay current with all 2020 season announcements, latest news & event invitations, and more by subscription to our monthly eMagazine (sign up). Both subscriptions are private and spam-free.

RAIN DATE: If a regularly scheduled match is canceled prior to its start (due to weather/field conditions), the match will be postponed to the following day, Sunday at the same time. All original polo match tickets & seating reservations will be transferred to the rain date. For more details on our ticket policies, please follow this link. In inclement weather, always check the Match Status recording on our Info Hotline (401) 846-0200 x2 and for Alerts published on our website, both of which are updated with any status change for the impending match.

This is the 29th season of Newport International Polo Series, which has hosted teams from 34 nations including, Ireland, Germany, Spain, England, Argentina, France, Egypt, India, Australia, Costa Rica, Ghana, Canada, Chile, Jamaica, Nigeria, Portugal, New Zealand, Barbados, Scotland, South Africa, Hungary, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Kenya, Brazil, China, Italy, Mexico, Sweden, Singapore, Monaco, Morocco, Peru, and Poland.

Polo, since 600 b.c. Polo is, without doubt the oldest ball game in the world today. First recorded in the 6th century b.c. when the Turkomans beat the Persians in a diplomatic tournament, the alluring game caught on with equestrian royalty and cavalry, and took off with globalization, withstanding the tests of time. By the time Polo arrived on Newport’s shores during the Gilded Age, the sport was nearly 2500 years steeped in tradition, captivating newcomers like Newport’s summer sporting set who embraced the new pastime, establishing America’s first polo club in 1876. A charter member of the United States Polo Association the club today is still a trailblazing model polo club, hosting the Newport International Polo Series public exhibition matches, supporting philanthropic causes, organizing USPA tournaments, polo club member services and polo instruction year-round. Experience the king of games in its American landing at Newport Polo.

www.nptpolo.com