Polo Spectator Guide

Polo isn't just a sport, it is a social gathering; a chance to get out on a nice day, enjoy the weather, and the company of friends and family.

What to wear

Forget about what you've seen in the movies… polo is watched by all ages, races, and social positions. While you are welcome to dress up, that is more typical during charity benefits, and you will be just as comfortable wearing whatever you normally would wear out on a hot weekend day… shorts and a T-shirt or a polo shirt or sundress are ideal.

What to bring

Because it is outside, remember those important outdoor necessities… sunblock, sunglasses, water, and a lawn umbrella or other sunshade if you would like. Those pop-up canopies were surely invented by a polo fan!

You will want to bring a blanket or lawn chairs for seating. Bring your camera if you want to capture the action (high speed film recommended) or binoculars to keep on top of the action at the other end of the field.

Polo picnic

Why not make the most of a great day and pack up a picnic or pick up some takeout on your way to the field. Load up a cooler with ice and the beverages of your choice, call up some friends, and head to the field. Polo tends to start on time, so you may want to get there 30 minutes or more to allow time to get a good spot towards the center of the field, get setup, and watch the teams warm up. We ask that you help by cleaning up your area before you leave the field (bring a garbage bag if you think you'll need one). Also, on windy days, please be cautious of papers, plates, or other items that could blow onto the field as these can startle or spook the horses and can be very dangerous.

Polo safety

Always remember to leave at least 10 yards between you and the edge of the field, and never at the ends of the field (see Spectator Directions for detailed parking instruction).

For everyone's safety, including their own, pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Likewise, with one eye at least on the game at all times, we recommend keeping the other eye on any children who come with you.

Everyone who attends a polo match or scrimmage needs to remember that this is a fast moving sport with very large participants. While the action a second ago may have been well on the other side of the field, if you aren't keeping an eye on the game, you may find yourself looking up to see 8,000+lbs. of horses and riders in a much closer way than you ever would have wanted. We overemphasize this point for your safety. In reality, for a spectator, polo is as safe or safer than watching a baseball or basketball game or an evening at the racetrack, but like those sports, accidents can always happen and are much more likely when we aren't paying attention to what is going on around us.

In addition to the game, if you are around the horses, please remember not to make any sudden movements or loud noises. Unless a rider or groom gives you the go ahead, it is always best to keep 6 to 8 feet away. That said, please feel free to come by the trailers after the match to meet and chat with the players. Polo players are passionate about their sport, so you'll never find a better source of information.

We hope this information will help you to have a wonderful polo experience and will keep you coming back for more. If you find yourself hooked after a couple trips to the field, please consider joining the club. Whether you want to spend time on the field or on the sidelines, you'll find a way to get involved with the Madison Polo Club.