Miami Beach Polo World Cup, Miami

@ThePoloLife

Affair: Miami Beach Polo World Cup

When: November 2015

Hot Spot: The Setai Miami Beach, South Beach, Miami

Deets: The Miami Beach Polo World Cup brings the “sport of kings” to the shores of South Beach for three days every year during November. First held in 2005, the event features an international lineup of competition, with polo teams coming from as far away as Argentina, Brazil and Germany to compete for the La Martina Trophy.

All Miami Beach Polo World Cup polo matches are held directly on the beach— making the South Florida polo tournament “the world's largest and most prestigious Polo Tournament on the Beach.” The beachside competition is between 20th and 22nd Streets, near The Setai, a South Beach luxury hotel located in the Art Deco district of Miami Beach. More than 10,000 people attend the event over four days each year.

The globally renowned sporting event, considered the most coveted of its kind, features top polo players from around the world competing in two tournaments for both men and women. The La Martina South Beach Women’s Polo Cup V featured eight women’s teams in a one-day series of round-robin championship matches. Highly touted players include Pamela Flanagan, Cristina Hosmer, Tiffany Busch, Stephanie Kraml-Suttle and Lynn O'Connor.

The La Martina Miami Beach Polo World Cup IX – a three-day men’s tournament includes some of the world’s top-ranked players, including England’s Jamie Morrison, Holland’s Vincent Mesker, past Miami Beach and Chicago Beach Polo winner, Guille Usandizaga, Luis Escobar, 2009 MVP John Gobin and 9-goaler Kris Kampsen.

Attendees experience the annual series of nightly VIP events that form an essential part of the four-day festivities.

The traditional post-event awards ceremony are held at the end of each tournament to commemorate both women’s and men’s competition winners, during which sponsor representatives will present trophies to the men’s and women’s World Cup finalists. While you’re at the event having fun, know that it’s also for a good cause. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami receive a portion of funds raised through ticket sales from the event.

The good thing about this event is that general admission to both competitions and adjacent retail village is free, and concessions will be available to purchase. While you may want to wear your best frock and hat in true polo style, be sure to dress comfortably.

A limited number of VIP tickets are available that allows entrance to the shaded Grandstand, where complimentary food and beverages are served. Ticket prices are $100 to $130 depending on event dates. Children 12 to 18 years-old pay half the adult ticket price and children younger than 12 years-old receive free admission. Three-day and four-day VIP passes are available for purchase as well.

Who You May Spot: Pamela Flanagan, Cristina Hosmer, Guille Usandizaga, Luis Escobar and more

Hint For The Average Socialite: For more information on the tournament and the events or to purchase VIP tickets, visit www.miamipolo.com or call 305-538-3809.

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