After a 2020 season of restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, Oak Brook polo returns for its 99th season with 10 scheduled match dates.
“We’re returning back to normal, which is great,” said Dan O’Leary, Oak Brook Polo Club managing director.
The season begins June 27 and continues with nine additional Sunday dates through Sept. 26. A detailed schedule and ticket information is available on the Oak Brook Polo Club’s website. All matches begin at 3 p.m., with gates opening at 1 p.m., and are held on the field at 2606 York Road.
Spectators were limited a year ago to watching eight matches from tailgate spots, after two June matches were played with no spectators allowed.
“We sold out our last six events last year,” O’Leary said, adding a sellout in 2020 meant about 320 tailgating people in attendance. For all but the season-opening match this year, capacity will be increased to about 2,000.
“We’re bringing back the grandstand on July 11,” O’Leary said. “We’ll still have tailgate spots open for people, but the grandstand seating will be back.”
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As has been the case in several past years, each polo date this season has a theme, including the popular Horse & Horsepower events July 18 and July 25.
The July 18 date features on-field displays of new and classic Lamborghini vehicles for spectators to see, and July 25 date features Ferrari vehicles.
Schedule matches for the 2020 season are Oak Brook Polo Open, June 27 and July 11; Butler Challenge cup, July 18 and July 25; Chicago Polo Open, Aug. 8 and Aug. 15; Drake Challenge Cup, Aug. 29; National Youth Tournament Series Men & Women Youth All-Star Tournament, Sept. 12; Butler International Cup, Sept. 19 and Sept. 26.
O’Leary said the youth tournament is an outstanding event with the best young players in the world.
A limited number of parking spots are available at the field at a cost of $20 per vehicle. Outside alcohol beverages are not permitted; however, beverage service will be available at on-site bars and/or beverage carts.