Sunday Polo at the Greenwich Polo Club
DATE IDEAS
Sunday Polo at the Greenwich Polo Club
Come along for a unique picnic experience at the GPC’s Sunday Polo!
We’ve taken to planning Date Days during which one of us picks a town in Connecticut, and we put together an itinerary of places to visit and events to attend in an effort to get to know our surrounding area and sneak in some cultural experiences.
What We Love About Sunday Polo
The Greenwich Polo Club is one of the world’s top high-polo venues in the world. Every August-September, the Club hosts the East Coast Open.
This was our first time visiting the GPC and it was an experience! Yes, there was a polo match. But if you weren’t up for watching the sport, there was plenty of people watching as well.
We picked up some treats from our favorite gluten-free bakery in Greenwich (By the Way) and brought beverages from home. And it set us up for one of the fanciest picnics we’ve ever experienced.
While James was enthralled by the action on the field, quickly getting smart on the rules of the sport, Victoria spent the afternoon eavesdropping on conversations (whoops!) and admiring everyone’s outfits. There was plenty of entertainment all around.
Planning a Date at the Greenwich Polo Club
The polo matches don’t begin until 3pm, but the Club gates open to the public at 1pm.
1PM: Arrive at the Greenwich Polo Club
For those sitting on the East Lawn, this is a great time to grab a spot on the lawn and settle in. Pack a picnic and lay it all out.
2PM: The pitch is open to the public until 2:30pm, so you can walk across the field to pop into The Cup Bearer or the Club shop. Wander around the grounds to get a peek at the ponies ahead of the match.
3PM: The match begins!
~4PM: At half-time, partake in the long-standing tradition as spectators are invited onto the field to stomp down and replace the divots torn up by the horses’ hooves during play.
Sit back and enjoy the match!
What to Know about the Greenwich Polo Club
GUESTS
Sunday Polo is a family affair, welcoming guests of all ages… and well-behaved dogs on leashes.
TICKETS / SEATING
East Lawn General Admission: $50 per vehicle
We sat on the East Lawn general admission seating area, which is located on the far side of the pitch from the parking lot. The beauty of this ticket is that for $50, we could fill our car with as many people as there are seat belts and pack a picnic for the match. We brought a picnic blanket (Amazon) and a couple of low-back chairs (Walmart). For those sitting in this area, we recommend arriving early to claim your spot, especially if you’re looking for shade, a great view of the match, or proximity to the horses or play spaces.
East Lawn Umbrella: $225 per umbrella (for 4-6 guests)
While we didn’t sit here, it was right next to our set-up. And the umbrellas were certainly convenient especially on a sunny day! You’ll still need to bring your own blankets and chairs.
East Lawn Cabanas: $750 per tent (with 10 car passes for up to 25 guests)
Ideal for large groups who want a guaranteed great view of the match. The set-up comes with 8 chairs and a cocktail table with your own reserved stretch of lawn in-front of the cabana, so there is plenty of space for additional blankets and chairs.
West Side Reserved Seating: $60+
We have limited intel on what this experience is like, but maybe we’ll update this in the future if we do make it over to that side of the field. Or, you can visit the GPC website for more info!
PARKING
The GCP utilizes a Car Pass ticket method. This means that you need one ticket per car, and all passengers in that car will be admitted to the Club (although, each person may need their own ticket to access reserved seating areas). Drop-offs and Ubers require a ticket. When you arrive at the GPC, you’ll. be directed at the first set of gates to the Club, where attendants will scan your ticket at the entrance. Attendants directed us to park on the lawn — and exiting was just as easy.
SNACKS & DRINKS
East Side: For those sitting on the East Side of the GPC, including the East Lawn Cabana, East Lawn Umbrella, or East Lawn GA, you can bring your own food and beverages (non-alcoholic and alcoholic).
West Side: Outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the west side of the field.
For Purchase: The Cup Bearer offers a full bar service. But there was also a circulated snack wagon on the East Lawn, which boasted a menu that included a New England lobster roll ($34), candies ($9), cookies / brownies ($6), and cans of soda ($4).
Until our next chapter!
xo, James & Victoria
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