If you’re only exposure to polo is the classic scene from Pretty Woman, you need to check out the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships on October 24 at WestWorld. With a beer tent, car show, and DJ-hosted after party, it’s far from the stuffy affair portrayed in the movie.
In fact, promoters in Scottsdale refer to it as “the polo party,” which may explain why now, in its fifth year, it’s the largest polo event in the United States. Attendees can sip champagne, watch polo, and even bid on art, but they can also picnic on the sidelines with a beer in hand or dance to top tunes in the party tent.
The highlight, of course, is the polo. This year’s event features three match-ups: Polo Azteca vs. Club Cabo; San Diego Polo Club vs. Arizona Polo Club; and reigning champions Clogau Wales Polo Team vs. Aspen Valley Polo Club. Arrive before 11 a.m. to catch the start of the first match. The feature match between Clogau Wales and Aspen Valley is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Other events throughout the day include:
Barrett-Jackson Preview: Cars available during the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in January will be on display as well as classic cars from local auto clubs and current models from sponsor Bentley.
The World’s “Longest” Catwalk Fashion Show: Get a preview of Phoenix Fashion Week when more than 100 models, including several championship polo players, walk the middle of the polo field at 12:30 p.m.
Larsen Live Art Auction: The largest contemporary fine art gallery in Scottsdale will hold a live auction of more than 230 lots from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Picasso Pavilion. You can view a listing of artists, register to bid, and get other information here.
The Canine Couture: Fashionable pooches strut their stuff in this show open to dogs of any age. (All breeds welcome.) You can enter to win online. Top dogs win trophies with the top three taking home cash prizes ($300 for first, $200 for second, and $100 for third).
It’s A Date! Single’s Auction: Bid on a dream date with the Valley’s hottest single entrepreneurs, executives and professionals. Proceeds from the auction go to deserving families of The Care Fund.
The Heineken Pavilion: Plenty of beer will flow throughout the day, but after the featured match, they’ll be even more drinks, a DJ, and dancing (Tickets include $20 off a ride home from Uber for first-time users).
But, that’s not all. There will also be a quartet from the Phoenix Symphony, a jazz band, ballroom dancing, a high-tea sponsored by The Phoenician, and a sneak preview of the 2016 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. After the final match, some of the Valley’s top professional players will conduct a polo clinic for anyone interested.
Tickets can be purchased online. General admission to the grass, bleacher, blanket, and picnic table seating areas is $17.50 in advance ($27.50 at the door). Children 12 and under are free as well as active military and veterans.
You can also purchase seating in the shade. Admission to the tented Picasso Pavilion & Larsen Live Art Auction Lounge is $50 in advance ($60 at the door); admission to the Barrett-Jackson Champagne & Jazz Lounge is $70 in advance ($80 at the door). Or, you can purchase a shaded picnic table for four ($160). Other options are available.
For more information and a detailed schedule, visit The Polo Party.
