Shoeleather Journalism in the Digital Age

Shoeleather Journalism
in the Digital Age

Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships continue record-setting numbers

photo of the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
A new record — 12,873 — attendees turned out for the most attended polo event in the United States under mostly sunny skies that welcomed teams from Arizona, the United Kingdom, Aspen Valley, Palm Beach, New Orleans and El Paso. (File Photos/DigitalFreePress)
2023 event saw 12,873 attendees at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press

The 12th annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Talking Stick Resort wrapped up another record year earlier this month as event promoters report record sales and the biggest one-day ticket sales revenue in event history.

“This year’s championships showcased the finest talents and the most exquisite experiences, reflecting the essence of Bentley. It was another fantastic day at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, and we are looking forward to another extraordinary event next year,” said Beli Merdovic, GM of Bentley Scottsdale. “We couldn’t have asked for a better day to enjoy polo and luxury.”

A new record — 12,873 — attendees turned out for the most attended polo event in the United States under mostly sunny skies that welcomed teams from Arizona, the United Kingdom, Aspen Valley, Palm Beach, New Orleans and El Paso.

The four-action packed polo matches entertained crowds throughout the day, as did the Canine Couture Fashion Show by Lugari Pet Salon and The World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show Produced by Phoenix Fashion Week.

The Aspen Valley Polo Team of Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi and Nic Roldan won an unprecedented eighth title on the polo field at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

In the day’s featured match, Aspen Valley defeated the Wales Polo Team (Ricky Cooper, Jason Crowder, Pete Webb), 8-5, to capture the coveted Molina Cup. Roldan had a game-high six goals. Marc Ganzi and Grant Ganzi each had one goal.

In the opening match, Pride USA Polo Team (Sterling Jones, Juan Bollini Sr., Ryan Cronin-Prather) defeated Texas Garland Polo Team (Oscar Chacon Hidalgo, Johan Felhaber/Alec Felhaber. Vaughn Miller Jr.), 8-4. Cronin-Prather and Bollini each had three goals and Jones added two.

2023 event saw 12,873 attendees at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships

“Set Jet is proud to have sponsored the 12th Annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships this year, supporting one of our hometown’s most treasured community events. It was a joy to see PRIDE USA win their match in Set Jet jerseys – quite a bonus for our first year as a sponsor. Congratulations to the team on their excellent performance and win. We look forward to returning to the Scottsdale Polo Party next year and in the years ahead,” said Set Jet CEO Tom Smith.

In the “Battle of the Sexes” match the USA Women’s Team (Carolyn Likas, Natalie Grancharov, Danielle Travis, Courtney Parker) stunned the Arizona Polo Club (Martin Morey, Greg Holditch, Diego Flores, Andres Camacho), 7-5, with Danielle Travis scoring all the goals for the women.

In the final match of the day – New Orleans Polo Club (Jay Wimberly, Sebastian Koga, Max Secunda) making its first event appearance defeated North Scottsdale Polo Team (Josh Black, Martin Rincon, Abigail Miller), 11-1.

“We were thrilled for the opportunity to elevate the experience at the 12th Annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships with a reimagined Bubbles Bar and first Champagne Lane experience, featuring Veuve Clicquot,” says Anna Bauer, market director at Moët Hennessy USA. “We’re proud to have innovated the guest experience in a new way.”

Event founder, owner and Scottsdale public relations executive Jason Rose leads a team, including general manager Leslie Owen that endeavors to raise the event’s bar every year since it began in 2011.

“One day we will look back on the amazing Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships and history will show just what a contribution this ownership group and event have made to the world of polo,” said Wales player Ricky Cooper. “It is simply the best polo event in the world, pure unrivaled entertainment, a diverse and compelling social safari that brings together so much action into one day of power-packed polo promotion.”

Among fan favorites at this year’s event were the “Birds Nest” style Sunset AfterParty, led by Grammy nominated Chromeo and organized for the first time by Walter Productions featuring Burning Man favorites Walter the Bus, and Kalliope; an expanded Riot House Polo.

DayClub; World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show; the 10th Anniversary of the Canine Couture by Lugari Pet Salon; preview of the 2024 Barrett-Jackson’s Collector Car Auction; expanded wine tasting and variety of food, drink and music offered throughout the site.

“To set yet another ticket revenue record in these challenging economic conditions showed again the expanse and enthusiasm for this one-of-a-kind event,” Mr. Rose said. “We couldn’t be more grateful to the sponsors, fans and players who have helped create a stunningly diverse and different experience in the desert.”

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