Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
With just over 10,000 patrons, the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Gila River Resorts & Casinos last month wrapped up another successful — including what is now the longest day of Scottsdale polo in the event’s history.
Among the new elements for Scottsdale’s 2024 Polo Party were five polo matches, an event record with two of them being played under the new lights recently installed on the polo fields at WestWorld, which is thanks to the municipality of Scottsdale serving as sponsor of the annual event.
Among the matches — Wales Polo Team smashed the Arizona Polo Club (14-0) led by Pete Webb. Jared Sheldon carried his Texas Garland Polo Club to victory against the Sonoma Polo Club (8-7).
In the day’s featured match, it was a nail bitter as The Wine Country Polo Club’s Manuel Crespo clenched a victory against the defending champions of the Aspen Valley Polo Team (4-3) which was led by USA’s top ranked polo star Nic Roldan.
New Orleans’ Max Segunda stole the show beating Cave Creek (6-4) and Nashville’s Wes Finlayson led his team to victory over The World Pride Polo Team (8-6).
The event’s ceremonial bowl in, or “ball drop” as its most commonly called was shared by Scottsdale Mayor Dave Ortega, Gila River Governor Stephen Lewis, Arizona State University’s Head Coach Kenny Dillingham, ASU leading rusher Cam Skattebo and former Suns star and player Eddie Johnson.
Throughout the afternoon, other events like the 11th Annual Canine Couture by Lugari Pet Salon thrilled the crowds and awarded cash prizes to the best dressed pets. The large crowd was also entertained by luxury car displays and the World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show by Phoenix Fashion Week.
Perhaps one of the most memorable moments of the day came when internationally acclaimed opera singer James Valenti partnered with Arizona rock band Whiskey’s Quicker for a special opera rock rendition of Metalica’s Enter Sandman and Guns N’ Roses Sweet Child O’ Mine.
“There were some incredibly special moments and firsts in American polo last Saturday,” said Beli Merdovic of Bentley Scottsdale who serves as title sponsor of the event. “Between ASU’s leading Running Back dropping the ball to the Rock Opera performance to seeing the lights come on the field for the first time, it was another extraordinary day at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships. We are excited to come back next November 8th.”
