Spectators at Polo

How to Enjoy a Polo Match

Refreshments

Polo clubs allow spectators to bring food and drinks. So pack a picnic lunch of items that will travel well for an afternoon sporting event.

Tailgating is very popular at a polo match, and the styles vary widely with the participants.

Attire

Polo is an outdoor sport, so dress according to the weather. You really can't be over or under dressed. Spectators at a polo match wear everything from jeans to high fashion.

If the polo match you're attending is a major tournament, charity benefit match or special event, you may want to dress up.

If you want to go divot stomping at halftime, and you should, it's a good idea to wear shoes for health reasons and a hat for sun protection. Other than that, be comfortable.

Half-time

Divot stomping is a long standing tradition at half-time. Spectators wander all over the field stomping down the torn up turf. It's fun and you can meet great people just wandering the field. Even at high goal tournaments the players often walk divots to keep limber at the half, and often they take breaks or change ponies close to the stands.

Many times you can say hello to the best polo athletes in the world. Just remember not too be too distracting, these are athletes who need to get back to work.

Viewing

A polo match is fast and the playing field is large. Your best bet is to watch the main group of players clustered loosely around the ball. Keeping your eye on the ball is difficult at far ends of the field, if you have binoculars bring them.

Watch a Video of Greenwich Polo Club's White Birch polo team playing in a tournament against the Mercedes-Benz polo team.

Learn

Learn the basics of the equestrian sport of polo. If you aren't with a friend who knows a little about polo, ask the people around you what's happening. Many spectators love to help a new observer. If you've already made some studies of the game, you should be able to see the rules in action and recognize great play.

Seating

Most polo clubs are open for public viewing on weekends. You can enjoy a polo match played by some of the greatest athletes in the world right from the sidelines! Just bring a blanket or beach chair.

Polo is played in more than 60 countries and enjoyed by more than 50 million people each year.

So get off the Internet and get in the middle of world-class competition between some of the greatest names in athletic sport.