One of the biggest occasions of its form, the three-day extravaganza will characteristic eight groups and greater than 120 first-class equines. The matches are anticipated to attract a world viewers of greater than 12,000 guests to the sands of Miami Beach at Collins Park.
“Miami is vibrant and delightful; the power is palpable. The distinctive mixture of cultures set in opposition to the expansive seashores and artwork deco backdrop make for a really distinctive expertise,” producer Tito Gaudenzi tells New Times.
Gaudenzi, a Swiss-born skilled polo participant, was impressed by his father and polo participant Reto Gaudenzi, who based the St. Mortiz Snow Polo World Cup in 1985. Gaudenzi adopted swimsuit with the creation of the Kitzbühel Snow Polo World Cup in 2003 and the Beach Polo World Cup in Miami Beach in 2005, which he operates with companion Melissa Ganzi.
“Polo is like no different sport. It is the oldest equestrian sport and can also be the oldest crew sport. It is extraordinarily fast-paced and requires a singular relationship between the participant and the horse,” Gaudenzi notes. “It requires full focus. Many polo ponies are former racehorses which might be nonetheless in match situation.”
Over the three-day event, eight groups of three gamers will compete in three video games a day. Finals will happen on Sunday, and the winner wills will probably be awarded the Beach Polo World Cup trophy. Some of the highest gamers collaborating this yr embrace Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Pablo Mad Donough, and Nacho Figueras. Organizer Melissa Ganzi is the only real girl participant within the competitors.
Local and worldwide polo lovers usually are not the one ones to flock to the favored occasion. General admission is free, as is entry to the retail village, which this yr will open at 11 a.m. and have ready-to-wear clothes choices, equipment, and residential gadgets, together with gadgets by native jeweler Martina Gurgel and types Fred Black and Anatomie. There are additionally satellite tv for pc occasions, a few of that are open to the general public, together with an Après Polo get together held every day after matches on the Setai.
Guests should buy tickets to expertise the polo match below the shade on the lounge overlooking the polo area beginning at $110. VIP packages embrace shaded lounge areas, an open bar, and entry to an eclectic buffet.
Beach Polo World Cup. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 21, via Sunday, April 23, at Collins Park between twenty first and twenty second streets; miamipolocup.com. Admission is free; VIP tickets value $110 to $650.