Saturday, Aug 17th, 2024 at 5pm: The competition heads even further south when Jamaica returns on August 17th for its 24th challenge against Team USA. Caribbean vibes may be in the air, but it’s a lava flow on the field as the Jamaican’s stamina tests the home team’s endurance to the final bell. Jamaica looks to stand up to USA’s nail-biting overtime victory last summer in front of a record crowd!

Gates Open at 1PM | Pavilion Opens at 4PM: to avoid last-minute entry traffic delays, arrive early to enjoy pre-game refreshments, amplified music, games on the field, shopping, and socializing. The match will begin with the national anthem(s) followed by player introductions and Official Coin Toss to start the match. After 3 periods called chukkers, a Halftime Intermission includes a stroll on the polo field for the divot stomp, a ‘treading in’ to replace divots, a time-honored polo tradition to repair the field for the second half.

Door Prize Drawing: attendees are encouraged to submit a door prize raffle entry at the Pro Shop by the end of halftime, for a chance to win a handsome, weekly door prize awarded that day.

Best in Show: The most spirited Newport Polo fans who best capture the contest theme will be rewarded with prizes in the Best in Show Contest (see 2023 Entries & Winners Album). Judges will scout the entire venue to find the best bacchanal, including picnic decor, banquets, tablescapes & attire, awarding a coveted prize and Brenton Hotel Jumbotron moment of fame. This tradition is a tribute to our fans who continue to show their spirit and love of polo, earning Best Tailgating in New England from Yankee Magazine and making the Newport Polo experience par excellence. Our resident style photographer will capture souvenir portraits of festive parties, available from Cocoa & Co.

Hospitality & Amenities: From 3:30PM, the Patio Bar is open for carry-out service for patrons throughout the venue, and beverage service to tables within the Pavilion starting at 4PM, offering a selection of signature cocktails created by The Cocktail Guru, premium spirits, boutique wines, imported & craft malt beverages, and soft drinks. Licensed Gourmet Food Trucks dish out popular refreshments including handmade pizza, lobster rolls, deluxe hotdogs, charcuterie boards, seafood chowder, and premium desserts, while specialty vendors present exclusive gifts, and the official sportswear & souvenir collection is available exclusively in the fieldside Pro Shop. See Hospitality & Amenities for details and menus. Expert commentary of the polo action is provided over the PA, and instant replays and live-action game footage are produced on the polo world’s first Jumbotron.

Closing Ceremony: After 6 periods of competition, called chukkers, the match will conclude with a victory lap by the teams as they circle the field in the Newport Polo Fan Salute – a tradition originating at the Newport International Polo Series in 2003, and now emulated at polo clubs around the world – followed by the Champagne Toast & Trophy Presentation on the polo field in front of the Pavilion, plus autograph signing, and an après polo cocktail hour celebration at the Patio Bar to conclude festivities. A catered menu will be on offer to enjoy with the teams fieldside after their hard-fought battle by reservation. Details TBA.

Dating back more than 130 years in Newport, the polo matches are one of Newport’s unique traditions and world-renowned attractions, a living legacy from the Gilded Age, and open to the public. Spectator audiences enjoy the athletic display and horsemanship every Saturday in June thru Sept. at 5 PM / 4 PM in Sept. Minutes from downtown Newport, the International Polo Grounds are located at historic Glen Farm, 250 Linden Lane (off of Rte. 138) in Portsmouth, RI.