Despite the pandemic, Lakewood Ranch's Linda Reilly said she was thrilled to be among the crowd of socially-distanced fans at the Sarasota Polo Club's 30th season opener Sunday in Lakewood Ranch.
"Under the circumstances, this is something we can do outside," said Reilly, who was tailgating with a group of friends on the north sideline. "We were newbies last year and I was intrigued by this. We loved the atmosphere and the excitement."
Her feelings were echoed by most who attended. With the Sarasota Polo Club drawing boxes for each tailgating group, fans were respectful of each other's space.
Player Mason Wroe said he was excited to get the season started and he had faith the fans would follow guidelines.
"You want to give people something they can do outside," he said. "We just need to use common sense and be courteous."
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Epic Equine's Jaymie Klauber charges in front of the entire Rawhide Creek team in the first chukkar.
James Miller breaks free to score for Rawhide Creek.
Epic Equine's Francisco Llosa reaches for a shot in the season opener.
The players didn't deliver the usual high fives to fans before the match to stay socially distanced.
Sarasota's Mary Kathryn France, the Miss Orlando Outstanding Teen, sings the National Anthem before the season-opening game.
Lakewood Ranch's Carol Edgar, Amaya Edgar, Mia Edgar and Lisa Bruno were enjoying season packages on the north sideline.
Lake Club's Amilia Dragovoy, 4, and Mya Medford, 5, are neighbors who enjoy a little dance on the polo field before the game.
Epic Equine's Francisco Llosa breaks free during the first half of the season opener.
James Miller scores another goal for Rawhide Creek.
Rawhide Creek's Mason Wroe has to put on the brakes to take a shot.
Epic Equine's Stuart Campbell comes through the goal mouth after scoring.
Lakewood Ranch's Lily Hirons, 7, and Madison Rivera, 6, get up close and personal with a polo horse before the match.
Misdee Miller continues her tradition of presenting the colors on opening day at the Sarasota Polo Club.
If Lakewood Ranch's Jaymie Klauber was nervous before the match, she got advice straight from the horse's mouth.
Epic Equine's Stuart Campbell salutes the crowd before the match.
Jaymie Klauber says she was excited to be playing for Epic Equine on the opening day of the season at the Sarasota Polo Club.
Lakewood Ranch's Justin Miano takes dead aim during a game of corn hole while his wife Elizabeth Miano offers him some support.
Rebecca Marsters gives Misiu the Yorkie a hug before the start of the polo match. Sarasota Polo Club is dog friendly.
Parrish 4-year-old Charlotte Begley tries divot stomping at halftime.
Don Stemaly takes the field for Rawhide Creek.
University Park's David Stover and Donna Tate purchased premium seats at midfield. Tate said she is worried about the pandemic, but she would do anything to get next to horses.
Lakewood Ranch's Linda Reilly, Marlowe Clark and Lin Harvard take their tailgating seriously on the opening day of the polo season.
Slade Sharpsteen gets ready to clear the ball down the field.
Lakewood Ranch's Lexi Truxton celebrated her 7th birthday with a trip to the Sarasota Polo Club.
