WELLINGTON, FL – Thousands of enthusiastic polo fans will be on hand to celebrate Opening Day at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, the premier high-goal polo club in the United States, on Sunday, January 9 at 3 p.m. Many of the world’s top players and polo aficionados will help kick-off the challenging 2005 high-goal polo season, which opens with the final of the 22-goal Iglehart Cup, one of highest-rated tournaments in the United States.

As the first new polo club to be built in decades begins its highly anticipated second season, International Polo Club Palm Beach fulfills a long-standing void for a facility dedicated solely to high-goal professional polo. It holds the distinction as the site of the historic 100th U.S. Open Championship in 2004 and will host that prestigious event through the 2007 season.

“I’m looking forward to our second season as much as last year’s inaugural season,” said International Polo Club Palm Beach owner John Goodman. “The excitement is building and we’re anticipating another great season for the fans and the players. This is the best polo in the United States. With the improvements on and off the field, I believe everyone will have a terrific experience.”

The International Polo Club Palm Beach will host the following series of events every Sunday, including Opening Day, beginning at 11:30 a.m.:   

Pre-game Champagne Brunch in the Grand Marquee catered by renowned restaurateur and caterer Barton G. of Miami. Seatings are at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Brunch tickets include premier lawn seating to the featured 3 p.m. match in the stadium. 

During the Roederer Estate Champagne Divot Stomp, guests are invited to join in the stomping of the divots on the field at halftime while enjoying a complimentary glass of Champagne…a unique twist to the game’s tradition. The Roederer Estate
champagne is often brought to midfield by unique modes of transportation.

After the post-match Trophy Presentation, guests are invited to meet the players for autographs and pictures.

Visit the 7th Chukker, a friendly watering hole that features an antique wooden bar and plasma screen TVs, immediately following the awards presentation. The 7th Chukker is a fan favorite where polo enthusiasts can meet and mingle with the polo players and other fans.

Children’s Play Area, including a bounce house, face painter and other activities.   

Vendor Village, located at the entrance to the stadium, includes booths selling a variety of merchandise for polo fans and non-equestrians alike.

The Palm Beaches and Wellington have long been polo’s international winter home.  Most of the world’s best players will participate in an impressive series of tournaments at International Polo Club Palm Beach, acknowledged as the premier high-goal polo in the United States, which attracts numerous glamorous guests and celebrities. The public facilities include an expanded state-of-the-art stadium with seven world-class polo fields, each spanning an area larger than nine football fields, as well as viewing stands and elevated box seating for more than 1,300 spectators. The weekly brunch and various private functions will be held in the Grand Marquee overlooking Field 2.

The 2005 high-goal polo season includes the following tournaments:

·        Iglehart Cup, January 9 (22-goal)

·        Joe Barry Memorial Cup, January 8-23 (22-Goal)

·        Ylvisaker Cup, January 21-February 20 (22-Goal)

·        Hall of Fame Cup, February 18-March 6 (26-Goal)

·        C.V. Whitney Cup, March 4-March 27 (26-Goal)

·        Stanford Financial Group 101st U.S. Open Polo Championship, March 25-April 24 (26-Goal)

At least 20 high-goal teams are expected to participate in part of the 2005 season, according to polo manager Jimmy Newman, surpassing last season’s 17 teams.

“This shows that the new era of high-goal polo is continuing,” said Goodman, whose Isla Carroll team won the 2004 U.S. Open title and will defend that crown in 2005. “The club has been accepted by patrons and players internationally and our mission is to make the sport accessible to everyone.”

Among the world’s top players expected to play during the 22-goal and 26-goal seasons include 10-goalers Mariano Aguerre, Javier Novillo Astrada, Miguel Novillo Astrada,

Mike Azzaro, Carlos Gracida, Bautista Heguy, Pite Merlos, Sebastian Merlos and Adam Snow as well as 9-goalers Milo Araujo, Eduardo Novillo Astrada, Pancho Bensadon, Lucas Criado, Paco de Narvaez, Memo Gracida, Agustin Merlos and Facundo Pieres.

Corporate partners play a large role in the success of the club. Major sponsors for the 2005 season include Stanford Financial Group, American Academy of Hospitality, Bombardier Aerospace, Celebrity Cruises, HUMMER, Ritz Carlton Palm Beach, Barclay International, Bessemer Trust, Catena Watches, Gaggenau and Mitchell Peck Jewelers.