USPA Announces Dates & Line-Up for Highly Anticipated U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship
California Polo Club to Host as Some of World’s Best Polo Players Compete for the Title & Record $100,000 in Prize Money
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 6, 2023) – The United States Polo Association (USPA) announced today the dates and lineup for its most prestigious arena polo match, the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship presented by the U.S. Polo Assn., where some of the world’s best polo players will compete for the championship title and a record $100,000 in prize money.
Hosted at the renowned California Polo Club, the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship is a 12- to 16-goal tournament and serves as one of the highest levels of arena polo competition currently played in the United States. Dating all the way back to 1926, the tournament is as rich in history as it is in fanfare as spectators will enjoy the sport’s finest talent and take “Hockey on Horseback” to the extreme with exhilarating matches, fast-paced action and fun for the whole family.
This year, eight teams of three will compete for the coveted title including Hotels at Sea (Tareq Salahi, Tolito Ocampo, Marcos Bignoli); OC Polo Club (Spencer Hurtt, Jared Sheldon, Shane Rice); Work to Ride (Kareem Rosser, Daymar Rosser, Patrick Uretz); Prestwood/Broken Taco (Vaughn Miller Jr, Vance Miller, Andrew Scott); SIG Polo Team (Nicolai Galindo, Cacho Galindo, Eden Ormerod); Hawaii (Devon Dailey, Hobbs Weymouth, Garrett Bankhead); Bush League (Quinn Kyle, Virgil Kyle, Ulysses Escapite, Pelon Escapite), and Denver Polo Club (Erica Gandomcar-Sachs, Tommy Biddle, Brian Salmon).
Taking place December 12 through December 17, 2023, USPA and the California Polo Club have put together an unforgettable lineup of events, including:
U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship:
Sunday, Dec. 17th
California Polo Club
Game times are 1pm and 3pm.
This is the main event as the top four teams compete for the title and $100,000 in prize money. Spectators will enjoy food trucks, two bars and more. A valet will also be available.
Live coverage will also be available on USPA Polo Network YouTube channel and USPA social media channels.
Polo Players Support Group Fundraiser & U.S Open Arena Polo Championship Party
Saturday, Dec. 16th
Middle Ranch (Across from California Polo Club)
Cocktails served at 6pm, Dinner served at 7pm
Tickets start from $175 per person or $1,250 per eight-person table
Guests will enjoy a live auction prior to dessert. All dinner ticket purchases will benefit the Polo Players Support Group, 501(c)3. (Maybe a brief note about Polo Players Support Group) https://www.polosupport.com/
United States Arena Handicap
Saturday, Dec. 16th
California Polo Club
Game times are 10am and 12pm.
The four teams knocked-out in Tuesday’s quarter finals will compete in this separate USPA national tournament complete with their own trophies and $15,000 in USPA prize money. Spectators will enjoy food trucks, two bars and more.
Semi-Finals of Both Tournaments
Thursday, Dec. 14th
California Polo Club
Game times are 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
Live coverage of the semi-finals of the US Open Arena Polo Championship will be on USPA Polo Network YouTube channel and USPA social media outlets
Quarter Finals
Tuesday, Dec. 12th
California Polo Club
Game times are 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
“The 2023 US Open Arena Polo Championship will be one for the record books as this is a record number of teams competing in the tournament,” said USPA Arena Committee Chair Robin Sanchez. “Not only is it a large field of competitors but the roster of players is diverse and reads like a who’s who of arena polo, from national collegiate and high school champions to previous winners of the Open and players who have been chosen to represent the USA and England in International competition. It will be an amazing opportunity for spectators to get up close to the action at the exceptional venue that is California Polo Club.”
For more information about the USPA, visit uspolo.org. For more information about the California Polo Club, visit californiapoloclub.com/. You can follow the teams and the event on social media @usarenapolo Instagram and Arena Polo on Facebook.