The seventh annual game, featuring Team USA against Azerbaijan, will be part of a polo doubleheader, a holiday tradition that ends the biggest week of fall polo and season at the nation's largest polo club.
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Team USA players Mike Azzaro, MVP Julio Arellano, Carlitos Gracida and Grant Ganzi with International Cup. Photo by Sheryel Aschfort
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The U.S. team will put its six-year win streak on the line against Azerbaijan, known as the Land of Fire and Ice, and one of the most improved polo teams in the world. Recently, Azerbaijan finished runner-up to Italy in the FIP European Championship.
Last year Team USA ( Grant Ganzi, Carlitos Gracida, Julio Arellano, Mike Azzaro) defeated Brazil, 9-7, to win the sixth annual International Cup event. Arellano was named Most Valuable Player for the third consecutive year. Since 2012, Team USA has defeated England, Chile, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay and Brazil for the coveted cup.
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| Team USA and Brazil show off their Romero Britto originals with awards presenter Jim Sackett. Photo by Sheryel Aschfort |
The opening game of the doubleheader is the Carlos Gracida Legends of Polo Memorial, continuing the Hall of Famer's legacy by honoring one of the sport's greats, who died tragically in February, 2014 at age 53.
It is the seventh time Grand Champions Polo Club will host a major international men's game in club history.
The Legends game is 1 p.m. followed by the International Cup at 3 p.m. Gates open at 12:30 p.m.
World-renown polo announcer Jan-Erik Franck will call the action during the doubleheader that will be live streamed by Wellington-based ChukkerTV.
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| 2017 International Cup awards table. Photo by Sheryel Aschfort |
Franck, popular among fans, has been a polo announcer at various tournaments around the world for more than 20 years. Franck is also a polo player, HPA instructor, La Martina ambassador and polo columnist. He was recently the featured cover story in POLO+10 magazine.
Proceeds from the doubleheader benefit The Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the development, history and tradition of the sport of polo by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting its collections as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the sport.
Tickets, ranging from $20 to $1500, are on sale along with various sponsorship packages.
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A packed crowd of tailgaters enjoyed the International Cup.
Photo by Sheryel Aschfort |
They are:
$1,500 VIP Sponsor: Includes one reserved table for eight in the VIP tent, corporate partner signage and parking.
$250 Grand Champions Tailgate Package: Includes a reserved tailgate spot with parking for one car, tent and one table with 4 chairs.
$200 VIP Pavilion Tickets: Includes one VIP admission ticket to the VIP tent with a field side view of the game.
$20 General Admission. Field side parking not included.
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| Trophy Cake by Johnson's Custom Cakes of Wellington. Photo by ChukkerTV |
Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal during the winter season in addition to special events at its eleven well-manicured fields during the fall, winter and spring seasons.
Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm cater to men, women and youth polo players at all levels. The club's expert staff can customize a complete playing experience including horses, pros and certified umpires in addition to lessons and practice sessions as part of its' Polo On Demand program at the turnkey facility.
The Polo School, a 501c3 organization and stand-alone USPA club, is thriving at Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm. It is dedicated to teaching polo to all ages, particularly grass roots youth. Its mission is to provide individuals opportunities in polo at every economic and ability level. Scholarships are available. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through June and September through November.
