2024 Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships brings sport of kings to the masses
Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
Sterling Jones is no stranger to seeing his name in lights, and the actor known for the likes of Barbie, Grey’s Anatomy and NCIS will soon transition from the big screen to the polo field as he takes the reins of the World Pride team at the 2024 Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Gila River Resorts & Casinos.
Mr. Jones assumes the role of World Pride Team Captain at America’s premier polo event set for Saturday, Oct. 26, at the WestWorld of Scottsdale, according to a press release.
Presented by Gila River Resorts and Casinos, this year’s 13th-annual Scottsdale Polo Party will also include a new “Polo After Dark” element, event organizers tell the Digital Free Press.
Set to take place under the lights of WestWorld’s polo field, the after-hours event will feature two polo matches under the lights and sunset concert by Relentless Beats, one of the nation’s leading live entertainment providers.
“Last year was my first year to play The Scottsdale Polo Party and I was blown away,” Mr. Jones, who attended 2023’s event with Pitch Perfect, Into the Woods and A Simple Favor Actress Anna Kendrick, said.
“It’s a profound honor to play and captain a Pride Team. Visibility and inclusivity are crucial, and it’s disheartening to see the ongoing prejudice faced by the queer community. While I may never fully understand the roots of this hate, I am committed to advocating for change. Our goals are simple: peace, love and equality.”
Beyond the five polo matches, themselves, Scottsdale’s star-studded special event will include fashion shows, luxury brand activations, exotic car and equestrian displays, and the return of The Riot House Polo DayClub and Grimaldi’s Pizza Disco.
VIP lounges and open-air tables for dining al fresco will also be part of the festivities, making this year’s Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships a can’t-miss celebration of style, sophistication and sport.
2024 Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships brings sport of kings to the masses
Before breaking into Hollywood, Mr. Jones honed his equestrian skills at home, on the horse ranch where he grew up. His first foray into polo-playing came after his work on Lone Survivor led to an appearance at a polo event. There, he met Melissa Ganzi, one of the world’s top female polo players and a prominent figure within the global polo community.
“Polo has significantly boosted my confidence, both on and off the field,” he said. “There’s truly no better feeling than executing a solid hit and seeing the ball go exactly where you intended. However, polo is about much more than just scoring goals – the most rewarding aspect of the sport has been the incredible people I’ve met along the way.”
Many of those people will join Mr. Jones at October’s high-profile polo party, with teams from Arizona, Wales, Tennessee, Louisiana, Colorado, Texas and California all set to take the field.
“Sterling Jones stepping up as the World Pride polo team captain at this year’s Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships adds a new level of energy and enthusiasm to the event,” said founder, owner and producer Jason Rose. “His star power, combined with his unbridled passion for polo, inspires players and fans alike and brings a powerful voice to LGBTQ advocacy.”
