This year marks my second attending the annual Vancouver International Polo Cup. A day at the Southlands Riding Club surrounding horses and the sport, but with so much more.
Having been a part of the event last year, my recap will include a comparison between 2022 to 2023. Starting with the new addition of the classic & luxury car show component.
At 1:30pm doors opened and guests began filtering in to appreciate the collection of super cars and classic automobiles. Gull wing doors, soup-up engines, and a competition where spectators voted for their favourite. This was a great walk and a nice appetizer before the polo opening ceremonies at 3:30pm.
In order to help keep cool, guests were able to order champagne from Veuve Clicouot and enjoy it in their themed seating area. A glass of their sparkling served in their orange branded plastic drink ware. Sipped from one of their orange and white striped loungers with side tables and golf umbrellas, and/or couches with branded throw pillows. Here, we too had a glass of Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label.
And for the VIPs they were fenced off enjoying free-flowing champagne amongst a selection of Veuve Clicouot branded decor including bicycle, television, and lamp shade ice bucket. Here, there were so many fun branded photo ops.
There was also a bars scattered around the course serving wine, beer and cocktails. The Paloma was Volcan de mi Tierra Blanco Tequila with a Rosmary Cordial and Fresh Grapefruit Juice.
And there were two types of margaritas. The Volcan Margarita was Volcan de mi Tierra Blanco Tequila with Agave Syrup, and Fresh Lime. And the Piña Margarita was Volcan de mi Tierra Blanco Tequila with Pineapple, and Fresh Lime. Each an easy sipping to help keep you cool and leave you with a buzz.
For food there were 3 food trucks on location offering either seafood sandwiches, tacos, or pizza.
I went for one of Salty’s Lobster Shack’s 100% lobster roll. A luxurious assembly and amount of lobster in between a toasted bun with a side of ketchup chips. I was impressed by how much creamy lobster mix was stuffed into this buttery sweet bun. Each bite a delicious decadent one given acidity and crunch from the side of chips.
My guest had a fish taco from Luz Tacos, crispy battered and fried fish in between a soft corn tortilla with pickled onion and a side of tortilla chips and salsa.
Sadly half of the track was closed off to those of us without a wrist band, so I was not able to enjoy the Mexican dancers and mariachi band that performed therein. Nor take part in some truly stunning floral photo ops. Or even get a look at the trophies to be won this year.
The match started with national anthems sung and a parade of our competitors on the turf, plus a yellow Lamborghini.
Then the match began with mixed gender polo. Players on galavanting horses, skillfully aiming their polo paddles at a little white ball. An entraining match up of talent and coordination for those who have never watched.
But my favourite part of the sporting match it the traditional divot stomp. Similar to half time, where all spectators are invited to the pitch to participate. Avoiding the horse feces, you find portions of the grass over turned with the soil exposed, and go around and stomping it back into place, with the flat of your foot. Not only is a fun to do, but it helps the match to ensure a literal even playing field and the ability for the ball to roll unobstructed.
While on the field, you are also able to interact with the players and pet the sport horses, while taking photos to commentate the unique moment.
And as a fun little bonus, the yellow Lamborghini came back on to the field and was throwing $5000 worth of bills for any one to grab. A little ironic considering this is a luxury event for the more affluent. Although having said that, I do not fall into that category and I was in attendance.
Then further into the night, for the first time, Slow Jam Sundays performed their set of R&B music. Sadly we did not stay for this portion, given we were here at the start of the event and ended up staying over 6 hours for the match up.
In short, there was plenty to see, do, eat and drink at the Vancouver Polo Festival. So if you missed out this year, be sure to visit the link below to keep tabs of next year’s celebration.
When: Saturday July 29th from 1:30pm – 10:00pm
Where: Southlands Riding Club 7025 MacDonald Street
Attire: Your best Polo spectating outfit and your dancing shoes!
