East County welcomes polo season

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Polo professionals will swing into action this weekend with the first public match of the new polo season.

The Sarasota Polo Club will host its season opener, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Cup, at 1 p.m. Dec. 18, at the club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota. Gates open at 10 a.m., and entry is $10 per person. Children ages 12 and under are free.

“It’s a perfect outing for the family,” Polo Operations Manager Rebecca Gutierrez said. “You are out in the fresh air. The kids enjoy it. You are able to (tailgate). It’s very rare to find something that will amuse and entertain the whole family.”

This year’s season consists of 16 Sunday matches spanning from Dec. 18 to April 8. Match-ups include the Suncoast Porsche Cup, the MGA Insurance Super Bowl Cup and The Observer Cup, among others. Several games also include themed tailgating contests, such as “Pajama Polo Party,” Marti Gras, “Pirates at Polo” and more.

During halftime, guests also can participate in divot stomping and other activities, as well as enjoy Clydesdale wagon rides.

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for tailgating, as well as a picnic lunch. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

“We are super excited for another fantastic season, and looking forward to seeing longtime polo spectators along with some new faces,” Gutierrez said.

This year marks the first time The Observer Group has served as a sponsor for the season.

“Since the early part of its development, The Observer and Sarasota Polo Club have both been part of the Lakewood Ranch culture,” The Observer Group’s Lori Ruth said. “We will remind our readers that our community has this unique opportunity to experience the great athleticism in both the polo players and beautiful horses at the Sarasota Polo Club. It’s a great way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon in the winter months in Southwest Florida.”

The Sarasota Polo Club has been hosting Sunday polo matches for the public since 1991.

For more information, visit www.sarasotapolo.com.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

Season Schedule
All games start at 1 p.m. Gates open at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 for individuals 13 and older.
Dec. 18: Lakewood Ranch Medical Cup
Jan. 1: Happy New Year Lakewood Ranch Elks Club Cup
Jan. 8: Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School Cup
Jan. 15: Band Weintraub Cup
Jan. 22: Lakewood Ranch Dental Cup
Jan. 29: Maduro Cigar & Bar presents the SMR Cup Finals
Feb. 5: MGA Insurance Group Super Bowl Cup
Feb. 12: Suncoast Porsche Cup
Feb. 19: SRQ Magazine Cup
Feb. 26: The Observer Cup
March 4: Bright House Networks presents the Wayne Brown Tournament
March 11: Harris Private Bank, M&I Wealth Management, A part of the BMO Financial Group
March 18:  MGA Insurance Group USPA Regional Classic SE 14 Goal Finals
March 25: Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota Tournament Finals
April 1: Schroeder-Manatee Ranch presents the Robert A. Uihlein, Jr. Memorial Cup
April 8: Easter Day Finals