Team USA To Face Italy in Weekend Polo Match

The Newport International Polo Series, presented by Rhode Island BMW Centers, is pleased to announce the debut of Italy on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 4 p.m. in a 6-chukker match against USA. 

Competing for Italy will be a team from from one of Italy's 15 polo clubs, a significant footprint for the sport where only about 150 players play year-round, even on beaches and on frozen Alpine lakes in winter. Italy has risen to prominence on the international stage of polo, winning bronze after defeating England in the FIP World Championship last October.

USA team captain Dan Keating, stated, "We are thrilled to finally host the Italian polo team this year. We hope it is the beginning of an epic rivalry into the future!"

After six periods, the match will conclude with a champagne trophy presentation of the inaugural USA vs. Italy silver cup, as well as the naming of the Best Playing Pony. A door prize drawing will be awarded to one lucky attendee.

This is the 21st season of the Newport International Polo Series, presented by Rhode Island BMW Centers, and sponsored by NewportRI.com, Alex and Ani, The Newport Beach Club, Hotel Viking, KPMG, Clarke Cooke House, Rockstar Limo, Massage Envy, Lufthansa,Stillwater Spa at Hyatt Regency Newport, McGrath Clambakes, WCRI Classical Radio,Vanderbilt International Properties, ProFM, Chase Canopy, Rentals Unlimited, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte and promotional partners including The Preservation Society of Newport,Bird’s Eye View Helicopter Tours,  America's Cup Charters, the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Discover Newport. 

“Our sponsors have been with us since the beginning. Without their support, the series would not be as extensive as it is,” explains Keating, Polo Series founder.

The polo matches will run continuously every Saturday from June through September. The polo series takes place in the picturesque setting of Glen Farm, the last 100-acres of what was once a 700-acre manorial farm whose settlement dates back to the 1600's.  

For more info about attending the weekly matches, call the Info Line at 401-846-0200.  Tickets can be purchased using our online box office until 10 a.m. on the day of the match or at the entry gates which open at noon in September.