Kentucky Derby-Style Fashion Meets Horses & Horsepower In A Social Setting
Reporting and photos from PubClub Correspondent David Cox
Scottsdale is known as a great place for fun party events.
The Phoenix Open and Bird’s Nest is legendary, a “must-do” on any single’s social calendar each February.
So, too, is the Scottsdale Culinary Festival with its signature weekend event, the Great American Picnic, in April.
And now there’s a newer party player on the field, the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships:
The sixth annual event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Westworld Event Center (101 and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., at 16601 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale).
The Sport of Kings is dubbed “Horses and Horsepower” and the Polo Party has a little something for all ages and interests.
Upon arrival you are treated to a variety of classic cars as a courtesy of Barrett-Jackson (which holds its auction at Westworld in January). Then you enter the polo field which is lined with sponsor tents. The Stella Artois Pavilion pumps out tunes and has a packed dance floor for much of the day.
The party continues up and down the polo field with people eating, drinking, being seen and some even watching the matches. Hats and high fashion are on display, giving it a kind of Kentucky Derby feel.
In fact, ladies wear your Derby hats and best spring dresses and guys, be sue and check out the fashion show.
Each tent has a different sponsors, and different options for viewing, dining and more drinking.
You can drive your own car and have a tailgate for $100 per vehicle. There is also some bleacher seating available at the end of the field.
In between matches, attendees are encouraged to participate in the traditional divot stomp. In addition to the stomp, Arabian horses and riders in costume are on display.
Fans are able to meet and take pictures with the polo players.
The attendance is around 10,000, which is about the size of the Bird’s Nest. But hey, it’s November, the Arizona Wildcats are at Washington State and Arizona State has an open date.
Plus, Scottsdale needs a solid social party event in the fall.
The event starts at 1:30 a.m., with the featured polo match starting at 2:30 p.m. There is now a women’s sunset match and concert by the Scottsdale Philharmonic, Arizona Opera and Grammy hip-hop performer Maestro Hughes.
GA tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door. Your best move is to get on one of the party buses, which leaves from venues in Tempe and Scottsdale for $40.
• Here is the official website of the Scottsdale Polo Party Tournament.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
• Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ThePoloParty
• Twitter: @ThePoloParty
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