OAK BROOK, IL (July 20, 2017) – For the first time in Oak Brook history, the excitement of competitive polo will combine with the sampling of craft beer to present the “Horses & Hops” beer festival on Sunday, August 19th at 1:00 p.m. at the Prince of Wales Field (2606 York Road). This one-day event will feature some of the Midwest’s most popular and upcoming craft breweries against the backdrop of the Chicago Polo Open.
Participating breweries include: 2 Fools Cider, Ballast Point, Brickstone Brewery, Finch Beer Co., Kinslagher, Kräftig, Noon Whistle, Revolution Brewing, Strongbow and Tangled Roots.
“We are more than excited to be included in the inaugural festival of Horses and Hops with our refreshing ciders from Naperville!” explains Doug Will of 2 Fools Cider. “Oak Brook has definitely chosen some of the best breweries (and cideries) for this event.”
Kräftig and the William K. Busch Brewing Company will be participating in “Horses & Hops.” The Busch family brewing legacy continues with two impressive beers, Kräftig Lager and Kräftig Light. In the six years since they’ve been brewing Kräftig, they have won 37 medals. “Just as polo is a tradition in our family, so is brewing beer,” adds Billy Busch, founder & CEO.
While the beer festival is going on, the Oak Brook Polo team will play in the finals of the prestigious Chicago Polo Open against Kraftig St. Louis.The two teams will compete in a 6-chukker championship match that begins at 3:00 p.m.
“We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Horses & Hops Beer Festival in conjunction with the Chicago Polo Open,” explains Danny O’Leary, managing director of Oak Brook Polo. “We decided to enhance the experience of a traditional polo match by adding something that the Midwest takes pride in…beer. So many impressive breweries have their roots in Chicago and we are proud to showcase an exclusive few and some from our neighboring states.”
As in all matches, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and contests including the “Best Hat Contest,” “Best Tailgate” and “Mallet Challenge” during the traditional “Divot Stomp.” There will also be opportunities to learn about the Chicago Polo Community and meet & greets with the teams.
2018 marks Oak Brook Polo Club’s 96th season as one of the nation’s oldest polo clubs in operation today and fourth oldest sports property in Chicago. It was once considered the “polo capital” of the world and became the destination for American Polo players and enthusiasts.
Tickets to “Horses & Hops” are $30 per person and must be purchased alongside a polo match ticket either together or separately at the following costs: $10.00 pp for lawn seating; $45.00 per car for tailgating; $40.00 VIP. All beer festival ticketholders must be 21 years of age and will receivea commemorative beer mug, lanyard, 12-sample punch card, free parking shuttle service, and access to food, match and merchandise areas.
For general information, tickets, event scheduling, and parking directions, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com or call 630.368.5095.
About Oak Brook Polo Club
Founded in 1922 by legendary businessman, Paul Butler, the Oak Brook Polo Club is an American Polo treasure and one of the oldest polo clubs in the United States. It was once the sport’s epicenter for elite professional polo in the United States and served as home to the U.S. Open Polo Championship for twenty-four straight seasons and other prestigious international and national polo tournaments. For decades, the Club has been a popular Sunday tradition and social scene known for entertaining Hollywood celebrities, dignitaries, royalty and Chicago’s distinguished. Today, Oak Brook Polo Club hosts several Sunday matches and continues to attract thousands of fascinated spectators who marvel at the athleticism and majesty of this timeless sport.