Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships will include its first Army vs. Navy polo match this fall, bringing a longstanding national sports rivalry to one of the Valley’s annual sporting and social events.
The teams are scheduled to compete at noon Saturday, Nov. 8, at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, according to a press release.
The match will serve as a tribute to military service ahead of Veterans Day and offer attendees an opportunity to recognize U.S. service members, the release states.
“We’re coming to Scottsdale for the fun, competition and camaraderie of playing on such a big stage, but we’re also here to shine a spotlight on our active service members and veterans in need,” said U.S. Army Maj. Mark Liarikos, who will play for the Army team. “With Veterans Day right around the corner, this match is about more than just polo—it’s about honoring those who serve and showing them how this sport, and the horses involved in it, can help heal and connect our community.”
Maj. Liarikos, a 20-year Army veteran, serves as a civil affairs officer and battalion executive officer for the Phoenix Army Recruiting Battalion. He is also the founder of the AV (Active & Veterans) Polo Club, a nonprofit that provides equine therapy and access to polo for military members and veterans, including those with disabilities or limited resources.
Joining Maj. Liarikos on the Army team are Terrence Donahue, a former cavalry officer and member of the 82nd Airborne Division, and retired field artillery officer Mr. William J. Waggoner. Mr. Donahue, now a reserve Army officer, works for the Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Waggoner, who served during Desert Storm I, founded World Aid Runners, a nonprofit that delivers ambulances to conflict zones, including Ukraine.
Representing the Navy team is Mr. Blandon “Nalu” Pitzel, a Navy veteran and Marine Corps officer who flew helicopters in Hawaii and later served as a commanding officer of a G-IV squadron.
“We bring the same intensity to the sport and the polo field that we do to our respective branches of service,” Mr. Pitzel said. “While we’re all here to win, we’re also proud to be here honoring our history and putting on a show for our fans in Arizona.”
Mr. Pitzel will be joined by Mr. Oscar Chacon-Hidalgo, an El Paso native with a family history of military service, and U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Chris “Kit” Jones. Sgt. Jones, a longtime polo professional, serves as company senior enlisted advisor for MWSS 473 Detachment Alpha in Lemoore, California, and is CEO of Dark Horse Fleet Services.
In addition to the Army vs. Navy match, the weekend will include teams from Arizona, Louisiana, California, Tennessee, Wales and England. Sunday’s events include a “Battle of the Sexes” match at 11 a.m. and an “International All-Stars” match at 1 p.m.
The Scottsdale Polo Party will also feature events such as the Canine Couture pet fashion show by Lugari Pet Salon, The World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show by Phoenix Fashion Week, and the Casa Amigos DayClub. The Barrett-Jackson Champagne & Jazz Lounge is expected to return with an open-air format.
This year’s event will coincide with the WestWorld Art & Wine Experience, a weekend event featuring live music, 100 nationally juried artists and craftspeople, food and wine offerings, and other attractions.
“The Army vs. Navy rivalry is one of the most respected in all of sports, and it’s an honor to see it make its way to Scottsdale’s polo field for the very first time,” said Jason Rose, co-founder of the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships. “We wanted to deliver a memorable weekend, and this year’s lineup, paired with the addition of the WestWorld Art & Wine Experience, reflects that goal.”
