OAK BROOK, IL (July 9, 2018) –Oak Brook Polo Club prepares to face Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse Polo team on Sunday, July 15th for the ButlerChallenge Cup Championship at the Prince of Wales Field (2606 York Road) in Oak Brook, Illinois. Prior to the 6-chukker match, Oak Brook will host its 3rd Annual “Horses & Horsepower” Ferrari rally which is an on-field showcase of new and vintage Ferraris for attendees to admire.
Oak Brook will be led by team patron and captain Jim Drury (Hcap-0) and includes Horacio Onetto (Hcap-4), Tomas “Toto” Obregon (Hcap-4) and Mariano Gutierrez (Hcap-4).
Event partners, Continental Auto Sports and Ferrari Club of America, will lead the pre-match festivities which includes a Ferrari parade. Additionally, Continental will demonstrate their version of “horsepower” with the latest Maserati and Ferrari models.
Early in the afternoon, Friends of Conversation (FOC) will host a benefit luncheon to celebrate the organization’s 36th Anniversary. FOC President Reute Butler (granddaughter of Paul Butler) and Vonita Resscer will serve as event chairs and be joined by FOC founder and international Chairman Jorie Butler Kent (daughter of Paul Butler), who managed the Butler family’s Oak Brook Polo Club for many years. Established in 1982, FOC was one of the world’s earliest leaders in the development of community conservation and has been actively partnering with the Maasai people since the onset of its work focused in the renowned Maasai Mara region of Kenya. The luncheon marks the official launch of the “Yes We Can” empowerment program for Maasai girls and boys.
A variety of match activities and contests will take place including the “Best Hat Contest” sponsored by Make It Better magazine and “Best Tailgate” sponsored by Cutwater Spirits. Barrington Saddlery will host a “Mallet Challenge” during the traditional “divot stomp” and there will be meet & greet opportunities with players from each team. Exclusive to this match, Gibsons Restaurant will feature new and classic small bites being passed to anyone seated in the Gibsons Saddle Club & Polo Lounge.
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 home to the U.S. Open Polo Championship for 24 years and considered the “polo capital” of the world.
A variety of ticket options are available: $10.00 per person for lawn seating; $45.00 per car for tailgating; $40.00 VIP (includes field-site seating in Saddle Club and champagne during divot stomp); $85.00 Brunch (includes VIP and Saddle Club access); $300 Saddle Club Reserved Tables (seating for up to 8); $300 Saddle Club Box (elevated seating overlooking field for up to 6); $650.00 Private Field Side Tent; $750.00 Saddle Club Skyboxes (for up to 12). All ticket holders will have access to The Drake Oak Brook Hotel bars, and Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse pop-up restaurant.
For general information, event scheduling, tickets and parking directions, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com or call 630.368.5095.