38 OCTOBER 2024 A jam-packed day of polo and entertainment awaits as the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships return to Scottsdale later this month. PHOTOS OURTESY OF JENNIFER PARKS-STURGEON By Rachael Bouley The Bentley Scot tsdale Polo Championships are back and bigger than ever. The event will mark its 13th year on October 26 at WestWorld with an expanded event of five polo matches – three during the day and two at night. As event founder, owner and producer, Jason Rose was excited to take advantage of the city’s improvement and offer all day polo matches. “We are always trying to innovate and create new experiences, so even if you’ve been before, there will be something different,” Rose said. “Polo is a beautiful sport to watch. Many people call it horse hockey, as it flows like hockey but with horses going 30 miles an hour. Players can score goals from up to 100 yards away!” Rose, a graduate of Arcadia High School, was excited to see how the event has grown over the years, thanks to a myriad of things – but mostly, thanks to community support. It all started when a group of polo players walked into the office of his PR company, asking for help promoting their club. After witnessing the evolution of major events like the Phoenix Open, Barrett- Jackson and MLB Spring Training, he was inspired to create a similar polo showcase and set out to bring the first championship event to life. The inaugural Polo Party in 2011 welcomed about 2,500 partygoers, and it’s gone from strength to strength ever since, bringing in high-profile athletes and celebrities, and support from local businesses. The 2024 edition will feature matchups between reigning champions Aspen Valley Polo Club (led by America’s top polo star Nic Roldan) and Napa Valley, Arizona Polo Club vs. Wales Polo Team, and Nashville Polo Team vs. Pride World Polo League. New Orleans and Calistoga and Sonoma County and El Paso are also on the docket. Polo After Dark is made possible by the City of Scottsdale’s recent installation of lights on the polo field, which is roughly three times the size of an American football field. Whether guests want to attend during the day, at night, or both, there will be lots to explore in addition to the on-field action. Fashion shows, luxury brands, live music, and a car show are all part of the lineup, as is the popular Canine Couture showcase of stylish pooches. Guests can also catch a lacrosse game between Brophy and Notre Dame, a Valley Youth Theatre show, opera, and other cultural performances. DJ Jai Wolf will headline the day club music with a full roster of musical acts before a sunset concert produced by Relentless Beats. The whole family is welcome, with general admission tickets starting at $40 and various VIP packages available. Thanks to the success in Scottsdale, Rose and his team plan on expanding into other markets in 2025. “Polo is fun to learn and fun to watch, and it’s a great excuse to go out and socialize,” Rose said. “Our secret sauce has been to create a very welcoming environment. Polo is not an exclusive sport, it’s a fun luxury platform everyone can access and enjoy.” thepoloparty.com ‘America’s Greatest Polo Party’ returns in October