Newport Polo Salutes Irish Polo Team Record
Newport, RI (July 23, 2020) …. The Newport International Polo Series will host USA vs. Irish USA on Saturday, July 25 at 5pm, in a commemorative salute to the Irish Polo Team, ending its 28-year consecutive appearance streak, the only team to have participated every year since the Polo Series’ inaugural year in 1992.
“We miss the camaraderie of our long time Irish rivals, who have a devoted following of fans here in Newport,” comments Dan Keating, USA captain, who explains that “a 14-day quarantine in both directions, and current US restrictions on travelers from the UK and certain other countries will keep the Irish team and possibly other teams from participating this year.”
Irish themes for attendees will provide inspiration in the Stella Artois Tailgate Contest, with guest judge Christon Gibson of Newport Living & Lifestyles blog capturing live audience reactions for her program, and presenting a special gift from Stella Artois and Jumbotron moment of fame to the most festive group during the match. Decorated spectators will also be featured in Boston Common Magazine’s party pages in an upcoming issue in photography captured during the match by COCOA & CO’s Quison Lawhon.
Under a State-approved plan including reduced capacity with socially-distanced tables in the Davitt Pavilion, fieldside Tailgates and Picnic Patches on the lawn from which to view the matches at the polo grounds, sold-out audiences have enjoyed the Newport International Polo Series polo matches every Saturday since Opening Day on June 6, where spectators have witnessed the timeless sport unfold across an argyle-patterned emerald green at Glen Farm, home of the Polo Series for the past 28 seasons, in a classic exhibition of horsemanship and valor, with host, the Newport Polo Club, where the home team – Newport/USA – meets challengers each season from around the world and as well as teams representing major US cities and regional rivals in one of Newport’s unique traditions & renown attractions. The full COVID-19 response & details can be found at https://bit.ly/2AZDTGi
The polo matches are one of destination Newport’s unique traditions & renown attractions, dating back to 1876 when Newport’s sporting set founded America’s first polo club.
Color commentary during the match was provided by our loquacious authority, William Crisp, the voice of Newport Polo. The match will conclude with the Newport Polo Fan Salute around the perimeter – a tradition originating at the Newport International Polo Series in 2003, and now emulated at polo clubs around the world, and the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Toast & Trophy Presentation awarding the sterling silver Trophy, a Liberty Bowl inaugurated in 1992.