USPA Spreckels Cup presented by Woodford Reserve
to benefit World Wildlife Fund
Sunday, September 27, 2015
The San Diego Polo Club (SDPC) celebrates the end of their 29th season in Rancho Santa Fe with the United States Polo Association (USPA) Spreckels Cup & Closing Day presented by Woodford Reserve. SDPC is proud to partner with La Jolla Polo Team to support World Wildlife Fund (WWF) with specific ticket and auction proceeds benefitting the organization. The San Diego Polo Club is located at 14555 El Camino Real, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067. The event will take place from 12:30pm to 6:00pm on Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Last Year’s Winners.
FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT: Local and international polo players will compete for the United States Polo Association sanctioned 106-year-old Spreckels Cup trophy in front of an estimated 1,500 spectators. The USPA Spreckels Cup is a historical tournament named after John D. Spreckels, an entrepreneur who founded a transportation and real estate empire, including the San Diego Railway, Hotel del Coronado and San Diego’s first polo club in Coronado. The first Spreckels match was in 1909 and winners were presented with a dramatic silver trophy over two feet high. Engraved on the trophy is the inscription, “Polo Challenge Trophy, presented by John D. Spreckels.” The trophy was designed to be engraved with the names of the winners each year and was intended to be held by the winning team for one year. It is the most important polo tournament in southern California and provides a tangible link across the years between the players of today, John D. Spreckels, and the band of polo players that had such an influence on the sport and upon the San Diego Polo Club. The actual tournament is played for three weeks and the final championship match will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 2:00pm in front of the Sunday Polo crowd.
For more than 50 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The world’s leading conservation organization, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.1 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. WWF’s unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature. Guests can support WWF by purchasing a Platinum VIP ticket ($60 of each ticket will benefit WWF) or participating in the silent and live auction where proceeds will be donated to the organization.
Closing Day of Polo is supported by La Jolla Polo Team, which was founded by Reuben Katz and Shannon John Johnson to unite passionate polo players with deserving charities. They use their skills and the sport of polo to raise funds and awareness for select foundations and they are proud partners of the San Diego Polo Club and WWF.
Prior to the polo match at 1:00pm, guests will enjoy a classic demonstration of rider and foxhounds, presented by the Santa Fe Hunt. Established in 1969, the Santa Fe Hunt/West Hills Hounds is a Masters of Fox Hounds Association recognized group located in Temecula, California. They are a diverse group of riders brought together by love of horses, open spaces, country values and riding with a fine pack of foxhounds as they work a scent.
Throughout the afternoon, guests are encouraged to peruse the antique Steerman biplanes on the southeast side of the playing field. The biplanes will take off after the matches during the 7th Chukker After Party. Join polo players, members and guests for live music until sundown.
SUGGESTED ATTIRE: “Wear it Wild” and sport your spots and stripes to Closing Day of Polo to show support for WWF. Women are encouraged to wear stylish dresses or sophisticated garden party wear, while taking note of the theme. The best shoe for women is a wedge, chunky heel, sandal or flat. Men often wear sport coats and crisp shirts, including seersucker or linen. Take advantage of the occasion and the closing ceremonies and dress to impress.
TICKET INFORMATION:
SDPC has multiple ticket options, ranging from VIP to picnicking with your family. The VIP tent ($550 for a table of 10) is a center field grandstand that seats 300 on Closing Day. It’s an elevated, shaded area with wait staff for both food and beverage service. VIP Platinum ticket holders will receive two complimentary drinks and a World Wildlife Fund Species Adoption, a gift that will help protect the future of nature and support WWF’s global efforts to protect wild animals and their habitats. $60 from the sale of this ticket will be donated to benefit WWF. For the first time, guests are invited to purchase tickets into the Woodford Reserve Lounge for a special meet and greet with the players and patrons of the San Diego Polo Club; all food and drink is included in the $200 ticket price. General admission ($15) is first come, first served with umbrella tables, cocktail tables and picnic tables. If you are interested in tailgating ($15pp or $100 for a reserved space and admission for 4) on the east side of the field, we encourage you to pack a picnic and enjoy the game from the tailgate of your car. Reservations are encouraged. Parking is $10 per car.
FOOD & BEVERAGE:
The San Diego Polo Club has two full bars (21+) serving craft cocktails on draft, an assortment of spirits, local craft beer, hand selected wines, champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages. Try the “Panda Punch” or “Rummy Rhino” and proceeds of specialty drink purchases will be donated to WWF. The Sunday Polo Kitchen is presented by The Wild Thyme Company, offering plates to share or more traditional sandwiches, salads and daily specials. Their food is both classic and trendsetting while maintaining the highest standards of culinary excellence with an emphasis on seasonal options.
More information available online at www.SanDiegoPolo.com