ENTERTAINMENT

Polo 
to the People

WORDS: PHOTOGRAPHY

The grassy expanse of Doug Jennings Park at Main Beach will soon reverberate with the throb and clatter of hooves and sticks, as the 2018 edition of ‘Polo by the Sea’ captivates with its coterie of colourful characters and competitive spirit.

 

 

 

Gold Coast Polo by the Sea, to be held on Saturday 2 June, is part of the Urban Polo circuit, now comprising 10 events nationally.

Janek Gazecki is the originator of Urban Polo Events, inspired by the rising popularity of the sport worldwide and a need to make polo more accessible to city dwellers. In 2005, he devised a reduced field format, introduced new rules and a larger ball and thus, the most exciting and successful pro events were created.

 

 

Spectators are close enough to the action to appreciate the tactics and skills of the athletes, including the strain and elation on their faces and every sinew of their steeds. Apart from the obvious appeal of uniting a ferociously fought sport with 2,500 years of heritage, with fashion and finery, socialising, delectable cuisine and French champagne, Urban Polo provides a unique networking opportunity.

 

 

“Events create a perfect opportunity to mingle with like-minded business people and entrepreneurs, whilst at the same time providing a private marquee space for your clients where you can ‘own the space’ from a branding and creative standpoint,” explains Janek.

The day’s proceedings begin at 11am and conclude at 5.30pm, then a shuttle service will operate from event grounds to the Official After Party.

 

 

In addition to two world-class polo games, the event will be replete with activities throughout the day that sweep guests up into the action, ranging from the time-honoured tradition of the divot stomp and the increasingly popular Fashions on the Field competition sponsored by Hugo Boss, which offers a slew of sensational prizes, and the Men’s and Ladies’ Dash, which with its jostling and jocular mood has become an event highlight!

Renowned for attracting the best-dressed revelers in the region, the event has become an annual rendezvous for the stylish and the seriously connected. The VIP Marquee at past events has hosted dignitaries, celebrities, and even Royalty.

This year’s VIP Marquee will for the first time be hosted by renowned jeweller Mark Cotterell, attracting a new wave of patrons and polo fans, also raising funds for the Gold Coast Community Fund, which is the charity partner of the event.

 

Maritimo Motor Yachts will present more than $30 million in its latest range on land and on the Seaway, hosting its owners, VIPs and partners at this year’s event.

Adding a new and compelling aspect to the 2018 Polo by the Sea is its selection as host event for Gold Coast Tourism’s This is Gold Coast initiative, a showcase for 120 conference decision makers considering the Gold Coast for a future event.

With the backdrop of the glorious Broadwater and azure sea beyond, with the Surfers Paradise skyline visible from afar, Polo by the Sea highlights all the natural attributes of the Gold Coast and the verve and enthusiasm of its people.

 

 

In 2018, guests can enjoy the event from the luxurious confines of the ‘Mark Cotterell Jeweller VIP Marquee’, where all-inclusive $330 tickets provide select guests with a selection of premium food and beverages, including Pol Roger Champagne. The Polo Club offers a mid-way point in between the invitation-only VIP Marquee and the more casual ‘Polo Lounge’, where $85 is your passport to enjoying the polo within a more casual ‘beer garden’ setting – all guests having the opportunity to mingle with star polo players and revel in the panoply of the occasion.

 

 

For more information visit www.polobythesea.com – Tickets available through ticketek.com.au