Eight players. Eight ponies. One ball. All the emotions. If you haven’t yet experienced a polo match at the Oak Brook Polo Club, you are long overdue — big hats, green fields, and charging horses all make for a memorable afternoon.
Oak Brook Polo Club, or “Polo Town” as insiders know it, is currently in its 96th year as one of the oldest operating polo clubs in America today. The 2018 polo season is also special as it marks the 40th anniversary since the last U.S. Open Polo Championship, which was held at Oak Brook in 1978, of which Oak Brook has won six of (‘60, ‘64, ‘65, ‘67, ‘71, and ‘73).
Founded in 1922, by Chicago businessman Paul Butler, OBPC has hosted innumerable polo games and stars from around the world (and Queen Elizabeth II even attended a game once).
While this season’s polo schedule doesn’t guarantee a celebrity sighting (though there’s every possibility you’ll get lucky!), there is a definite chance you’ll have a smashing Sunday afternoon.
“It is our mission to make polo accessible, affordable, and memorable for everyone who attends,” says Danny O’Leary, managing director of Oak Brook Polo Club. “Whether you are looking for a fun family activity or get-together with friends, Oak Brook Polo is a ‘must add’ to your summer bucket list.”
And as a massive bonus, all ticket holders will have access to Drake Oak Brook Hotel bars, where you can sip on a Classic Pimm’s Chukker (a proper British summertime tipple), a frosty flute of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, or the new Polo Pony (Polo’s Moscow Mule). Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse Oak Brook is also partnering with OBPC to be the official post-match destination where you can hang with players and fans.
Keep an eye out for special events and activities taking place throughout the season, including youth polo matches, pre-match Sunday Polo Brunch hosted by The Drake Oak Brook Hotel, best tailgate contests from CutWater Spirits, and hat contests. And, regardless of when you attend, snag yourself Saddle Club access and you’re guaranteed to catch the action in comfort and style as you luxuriate on the chicest outdoor furniture courtesy of Room & Board or elevated box seating giving spectators a great view of the action.
Don’t miss any of these upcoming matches:
- June 24, Drake Challenge Cup (USA vs. Mexico) & Special Olympics 50th Anniversary Celebration
- July 15, Butler Challenge Cup — Horses and Horsepower (Make It Better is a proud media sponsor of this match.)
- July 22, Heartland Cup & Jaguar Concours, Cats & Ponies Soiree
- Aug. 5, Caribbean Cup (USA vs. Jamaica)
- Aug. 19, Chicago Polo Open & Horses & Hops Beer Festival
Ticket prices are as follows:
- $10 per person for lawn seating
- $45 per car for tailgating
- $40 VIP (includes field-site seating in Saddle Club and champagne during divot stomp)
- $85 Brunch and VIP/Saddle Club access
- $300 Saddle Club Reserved Tables (seating for up to 8)
- $350 Saddle Club Box (elevated seating overlooking field for up to 6)
- $650 Private Field Side Tent
- $750 Saddle Club Skyboxes (for up to 16)
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- 6 Out-of-the-Box Ways to Experience Lake Michigan This Summer in Chicago
Jessica Suss is a native Chicagoan residing in Washington, D.C. She is currently getting her master’s degree in secondary English education at the University of Maryland. She enjoys petting other people’s dogs and is faithful to Lou Malnati’s alone. Jessica is also a supporter of MAZON and No Kid Hungry.
