For the first time in 29 seasons, Newport Polo fans have the opportunity to vote on which international teams are invited to participate in an upcoming season of the Newport International Polo Series.
Newport Polo will be accepting votes in two categories: 1. the debut of a nation to make its first appearance in the Polo Series; and 2. the return of past participants.
This is the first time that team selection has been opened to fan input, and for 2020 will include 42 choices for a debut nation (from member nations of the Federation of International Polo) and 34 nations to return.
Voting will be open through November 15th at nptpolo.com and Newport Polo’s Facebook Fan Page.
“Polo is a global sport whose fraternity is embraced wholeheartedly by our community,” Polo Series Founder & President, Dan Keating tells What’s Up Newp. “The international teams receive a warm welcome in Newport and enthusiastic support on game day and at associated public events created in their honor.”
Opening Day of the 29th Newport International Polo Series will be Saturday, June 6th when USA takes on its first international challenger of the season.
The polo matches will continue every Saturday, June through September, of which nearly half will host international rivals competing against USA. Already in the 2020 lineup are perennial favorites, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, and England. Voting results will be used to fill four remaining openings for international challengers in the season.
Since its inaugural season in 1992, 34 nations from 6 continents have traveled to Newport to participate, 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.
The Polo Series schedule will include associated special events such as a pony parade and annual Season Kick-off party on the eve of Opening Day at the Clarke Cooke House, public welcome receptions at downtown Newport destinations, and thematic Après Polo celebrations with the teams after the matches. According to Newport Polo, the complete schedule will be published in Newport Polo’s January eMagazine, prior to the Box Office opening in March.
Also on the horizon is Beach Polo in the Newport Winter Festival in February, the 20th annual International Polo Charity Ball in August, and 5th annual All Charity Day in July, with invitations to nominate beneficiaries forthcoming. Stay current with announcements and the latest news, events and more through our private & spam-free subscription to their eMagazine (sign up), plus team lineup, stats and more on Game Day with the Game Day Briefing (sign up).
Keating thanks Newport International Polo Series’ 2019 sponsors that included Gallo Thomas Insurance, Brahmin, Davitt Inc., Modern Luxury/Boston Common, The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Hotel Viking, The Vanderbilt, Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina, Vanderbilt International Properties, Turkish Airlines, Veuve Clicquot, Clarke Cooke House, Stella Artois, Rockstar Limo, Atria Senior Living, Newport Daily News, McGrath Clambakes, Goslings Rum, Where Boston, Equine Journal, Classical 95.9 WCRI.
“Our sponsors have been with us since the beginning. Without their support, the Series would not be as extensive as it is,” explains Keating.
2020 Schedule
June 5 Season Kickoff Cocktail Party 7pm Clarke Cooke House
6 Newport International Polo Series 5pm Apres Polo
13 Newport International Polo Series 5pm VIP Lounge
20 Newport International Polo Series 5pm Apres Polo
27 Newport International Polo Series 5pm VIP Lounge
Jul 4 Newport International Polo Series 5pm VIP Lounge
11 Newport International Polo Series 5pm Apres Polo
12 All Charity Day 5pm
18 Newport International Polo Series 5pm VIP Lounge
25 Newport International Polo Series 5pm Apres Polo
Aug 1 Newport International Polo Series 5pm
7 International Polo Charity Ball 7pm
8 Newport International Polo Series 5pm Apres Polo
15 Newport International Polo Series 5pm
22 Newport International Polo Series 5pm Apres Polo
29 Newport International Polo Series 5pm
Sept 5 Newport International Polo Series 4pm Apres Polo
12 Newport International Polo Series 4pm VIP Lounge
19 Newport International Polo Series 4pm Apres Polo
26 Newport International Polo Series 4pm VIP Lounge
Schedule subject to change
For more information and updates , visit www.nptpolo.com.
