Frequently Asked Questions
Is this your first time visiting the Sarasota Polo Club? Below are answers to our most frequently asked questions.
What are your season dates for the upcoming season?
Our 2025 Season will kick off on Sunday, December 22nd, 2024 and continue through Sunday, April 27th, 2025. Sunset Polo Happy Hour will run every Thursday from Thursday, March 13th, 2025 through Thursday, April 10th, 2025 (Match starts at 5:30PM, Gates open at 4:30PM). Each Sunday Polo match starts at 1PM with an opening ceremony, where a flag horse carries the American Flag around the field followed by the players and umpires. We host a live national anthem performance at midfield, and then the match begins shortly thereafter.
How do I purchase tickets for your Sunday Polo and Sunset Polo matches?
Simply visit our homepage www.SarasotaPolo.com and click the red “Buy Tickets” button in the top right hand corner.
What ticket types do you offer?
We offer a variety of ticket types. Simply visit our website www.SarasotaPolo.com and click the red “Buy Tickets” button in the top right hand corner. You will be able to view all of the ticket options, as well as pricing and descriptions for each, so that you can select the option that best suits you and your guests!
What Should I Wear?
We recommend that you dress comfortably and for the weather, as well as our tailgate theme (if applicable). Head-turning hats are a treasured tradition for the ladies. Remember, you will be walking on grass.
What time do your gates open for your 1PM Sunday Polo matches?
Our gates open at 10AM. You may arrive any time between 10AM and 1PM. If you purchased a ticket through Eventbrite, your seat or tailgate space will be reserved for you. If you plan to purchase tickets at the gate, we recommend that you arrive early, as availability is limited on the day of the event!
What should I bring?
Depending on the ticket type that you purchase, seating may or may not be provided. If you purchase bleacher seats, Adirondack chairs, or a reserved midfield premium seat, seating is provided with your ticket. If you purchase a tailgate space, seating is not provided. We recommend that you bring your own chairs. Other people will also bring tailgate blankets to sit on the grass with. We also encourage tailgate games like cornhole, etc. but these must be cleaned up and behind the red safety line prior to the start of the match.
Is shade provided?
Depending on the ticket type that you purchase, shade may or may not be provided. If you purchase bleacher seats or a tailgate space, shade is not provided. For your tailgate space, 10×10 tents may be brought and set up to provide shade for your group. But they must be secured and tied down properly so that they do not flip up and scare the horses. 10×10 tents may also be rented in advance through the Sarasota Polo Club by adding it onto your ticket during the Eventbrite purchase process. These tents will be set-up for you prior to your arrival. Umbrellas are allowed, although we ask that you be courteous of your neighbors and not impede the view of others.
How do I know which entrance to arrive to?
NORTH ENTRANCE (Fieldside Drive): North Tailgate Tickets, North Premium Seating, London Bus Terrace Seating, North Tent and General Admission guests. SOUTH ENTRANCE (Polo Club Lane): South Tailgate Tickets, Pavilion Guests, South Tent, VIP Terrace guests, and A Vine Affair / VIP Champagne Lounge guests.
Can I save spaces for large groups?
All tailgate spaces can be reserved in advance through our website, where you can select adjoining tailgate spaces in order to accommodate a larger group. You may also email our Info@SarasotaPolo.com to reserve a group tent or other area for your large group.
How long does a match last?
A polo match consists of 6, 7 1/2 minute chukkers and lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. There is a roughly 20 minute halftime after the first three chukkers are complete. During halftime, we offer both Belgian and tractor wagon rides, the chance to swing a mallet aboard one of our wooden hitting horses, as well as the polo tradition – Divot Stomping! If we have a tailgate theme occurring on the day you join us, we may also have some fun themed halftime activities!
Do you offer food and beverage on-site?
We partner with food vendors each week to provide a variety of food for our customers throughout the season. We also partner with a local catering company to provide on-site catering options (which must be reserved in advance by emailing Info@SarasotaPolo.com). We also have multiple bars on-site, providing both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage choices. You may purchase bags of ice, cases of beer, and bottles of wine or champagne in advance (by emailing our Director of Operations Paige@SarasotaPolo.com) or day of (by visiting one of our on-site bars and placing your order with one of our lovely bartenders).
May I bring my own food and beverage?
Outside food and beverage is permitted only with tailgate spaces, bleacher seats, and General Admission tickets. All other ticket types are not permitted to bring their own food and beverage.
May I bring a grill?
Yes, small portable grills are allowed at tailgate spaces.
May I bring my RV?
Because each tailgate space is only 10 feet wide, we do not allow any RV’s or motorcoaches. Sprinter vans are allowed, but would require two adjoining tailgate spaces to be reserved in order to open any attached awnings.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are an important part of the Sarasota Polo Club culture. Well-socialized dogs are welcome on a leash at most ticket locations, so long as they are attached to a human at all times. For everyone’s safety, if a dog gets loose while on the Sarasota Polo Club grounds, the Sarasota Polo Club reserves the right to ask the dog and their owner to leave the facility.
Do you have restrooms?
Yes. On the North side of the field, we have portable restroom trailer(s) as well as portable toilet(s) that are cleaned and sanitized daily for your protection. On the South side of the field, there is a bathroom at midfield that services the Pavilion and the remainder of the guests. VIP Champagne Lounge guests have their own portable restroom trailer in the VIP Champagne Lounge area.
Where is your gift shop located?
Our gift shop is located on the South Side, behind the Pavilion, near the restrooms. It opens at 10AM every Sunday (and 5PM every Thursday during Sunset Polo Happy Hour) and stays open until the match is complete. Our Gift Shop is not open any other time during the year. We also are not set-up to do online sales at this time. Refunds are not given for returns, but we can offer exchanges. Gift Certificates can be purchased through Paige@SarasotaPolo.com.
How can I get an announcement made during Sunday Polo (i.e. birthday announcement, etc.)?
These requests can be made by emailing Info@SarasotaPolo.com.
I am interested in helping out with your Sunday Polo events. How do I get involved?
These requests can be made by emailing Director of Operations Paige Lautzenheiser at Paige@SarasotaPolo.com.
Your official photographer took my photo at Sunday Polo and I would like to see it! Where would I find it?
Photos from Sunday Polo and Sunset Polo Happy Hour are posted to a folder on Facebook after each match. You may find your photo there.
Is there a playground for my children to play on?
Yes! There is a playground on the South side of the field that all are welcome to play on.
Is there designated handicapped parking?
Most parking spaces are at field level. We do reserve a limited number of handicapped parking spaces at our North Entrance for guests in need of this service.
How do I reserve the Pavilion, a group tent or the Jefferson’s Bourbon Terrace?
For large groups rentals, please email Info@SarasotaPolo.com
How can I obtain a season tailgate?
South Season Reserved Tailgates are currently on a wait list basis. To be put on that wait list, simply email our Director of Operations Paige Lautzenheiser at Paige@SarasotaPolo.com North Season Reserved Tailgates are available on a limited basis each season and can be purchased by emailing Info@SarasotaPolo.com.
I am interested in taking a polo lesson. How do I get on the Sarasota Polo School Schedule?
Email Lessons@SarasotaPolo.com. We are so excited to hear that you are potentially interested in getting involved with polo lessons. We have excellent polo instructors that partner with us. One of them is Ashlie Osburg and she is copied on this reply. Our lessons are offered any day of the week. We are very flexible and willing to work with all of our participants, so we can be accommodating to your schedule. Our polo lessons are $200 + 7% Sales Tax per each polo lesson. They are roughly 45-60 minutes long, and include the horse rental cost, as well as the use of the mallet. We ask that the rider comes in pants and closed toed shoes (boots are preferred).
Do you play in bad weather?
The match will go on if the field is deemed safe for all athletes by our officials. If inclement weather prevents us from playing, updates will be posted on our website and social media pages. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Under the terms of a rain-check, tickets for canceled matches may be exchanged for another Sunday Polo date, within 12 months of the originally scheduled match, at the same value and subject to availability. Please contact: Info@SarasotaPolo.com to reschedule your tickets.
How can I learn about the sport of polo?
Visit the “About Polo” page on our website. Also check out the Sarasota Polo Magazine, which you will receive upon admission to the Club. Inside our magazine, basic polo information is outlined. A digital version can be found on our website as well.
Do you offer table and chair rentals, so that I do not have to bring my own?
Absolutely! We offer a variety of table and chair rentals, as well as tablecloth rental. Simply email Info@SarasotaPolo.com to arrange.
I am a food truck that is interested in serving your customers during one of your events. How do I get involved?
We would love to have you join us! Simply email Info@SarasotaPolo.com and the arrangements can be made!
What is the VIP Champagne Lounge hosted by A Vine Affair?
The VIP Champagne Lounge hosted by A Vine Affair, is the most luxurious way to spend your day at the Sarasota Polo Club. Don your most stylish outfit and spend a joyful day outdoors watching an exciting polo match, dining with friends, and sipping champagne. With a dedicated area, our limited number of VIP’s will have access to a variety of VIP tickets, including options with shade, plush seat selection, and privatization. Each ticket option comes with a gourmet lunch, and each event will feature a different Champagne which will be offered by the glass and bottle. For our Lounge and Cabana Tickets, we will feature caviar, and host a Polo Demonstration with a Professional Polo Player. A Vine Affair is a Sarasota based Champagne and Caviar Concierge who hosts luxury wine tastings, events and 5- star trips, and will be bringing their touch of luxury and culinary experience to the polo. The area will feature two champagne bars, complimentary valet, polo match viewing, and private restrooms for our VIP guests.
I would like to reserve a private polo demonstration for my guests. Is that possible?
Yes! We would love to bring a professional polo player over to your ticket location. Polo demonstrations occur around 12:30PM, and last about 15 minutes. The polo professional will come on horseback and explain the rules of the game to your guests. Email Paige@SarasotaPolo.com to make those arrangements!
I am interested in playing polo at the Sarasota Polo Club. How do I get involved?
Email our Director of Polo Mason Wroe at Mason@SarasotaPolo.com.
I don’t see the particular ticket date that I want to attend online. How do I know when that date will go live?
If you don’t see the ticket date that you want to attend live yet, we appreciate your patience! The tickets for that particular date will go live very soon. Please stay tuned!
How do I access the North Entrance?
We have two entrances on Lorraine Road: The North Entrance and The South Entrance. Our North Entrance can be found on Field Side drive. The South Entrance can be found on Polo Club Lane.
How do I access the South Entrance?
We have two entrances on Lorraine Road: The North Entrance and The South Entrance. Our North Entrance can be found on Field Side drive. The South Entrance can be found on Polo Club Lane.
Can I purchase tickets at the gate on the day of the event?
General Admission tickets are always available at the gate on the day of the event. All other reserved seating and reserved tailgate ticket types are available if they are available and not sold online in advance. If you would like a reserved seating or reserved tailgate ticket type, we definitely recommend purchasing online in advance, as availability is limited and sometimes not available at the gate on the day of the event.
Is there somewhere for me to sit if I come watch the match?
We have a variety of ticket types that include a chair or some sort of seating in the ticket price. You can purchase these tickets through our website in advance. We recommend purchasing in advance as these ticket types tend to sell out and are not always available at the gate on the day of the event.
Can we leave tickets at the gate for friends & family that will arrive later?
While we do not encourage this, we are happy to hold tickets at the gate at WILL CALL. Tickets must be in an envelope labelled with the intended receipients name. This will delay your friends and family’s entrance into the grounds, so we strongly recommend that all guests arrive with their tickets (whether they are physical or digital) in hand to speed up the admission process.
Can we pet any horses at the polo match?
The Magical Mini Mart will be on the field at halftime each Sunday. All are encouraged to find her and interact with her. She is a real, live polo pony. You may also wander over to our trailer parking area, but we cannot guarantee that the players will allow you to interact with their polo ponies as they are getting ready for the match. If you do choose to go to the trailer area, we ask that you please kindly ask the player or groom if it is permitted to interact or pet with their polo ponies.
Is the Sarasota Polo Club kid friendly?
The Sarasota Polo Club is a venue that is absolutely kid friendly. We have tons of actiities for the kids, including a playground.
Are we allowed to bring food & beverage for the London Bus Terrace and Hemingway Garden ticket types?
Outside food and beverage is not permitted in these locations. You may purchase from our on-site bars and on-site food vendors. Or pre-order catering through Info@SarasotaPolo.com
Where can I sit if I do not have a reserved tailgate space?
If you have General Admission tickets and are looking for somewhere to sit, we offer bleachers in the corners of our field. All seating on the bleachers is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to have a more premium seating location, we encourage you to check out the multitude of reserved seating options that we have available in our ticketing platform.
How do I find my seat or tailgate space?
Our fabulous gate staff should point you in the right direction as you check in at the gate and get your ticket scanned, but if you still get lost, stop one of our fabulous hostesses and they’ll have a map and be able to point you in the right direction!
Where can we park?
Upon arrival, our gate staff will direct you where to park depending on your ticket location.
Can we walk across the field at halftime?
Of course! As soon as the players have exited the field for halftime, everyone is encouraged to head out onto the field for the polo tradition of divot stomping. You may also cross the field and check out what’s on the other side! If you would like to access the other side of the field during the match, you are permitted to cross in the endzones beyond our red safety zones. In our West end zone, we have a safety walkway where it is safe to cross. Simply follow the signage and you are good to go. If you require handicap access, you can find one of our staff members and request a shuttle ride across the field.
How early can I arrive in order to get a prime tailgate spot?
Our tailgate spaces are now all sold online. There is no need to arrive early on the day of the event to get a “prime” spot as you can reserve in advance and have that space reserved for you. We cannot guarantee availability on the day of the event.
Are umbrellas allowed?
You may bring small handheld umbrellas to provide yourself with additional shade, but beach umbrellas are not permitted as they may fly onto the field and scare the horses.
I forgot my sunscreen. Do you sell any on-site?
Yes! Visit our Gift Shop to keep you up-to-date with your SPF!
Do you have an on-site restaurant?
No, we do not have an on-site restaurant but we partner with food vendors and caterers to provide food. You can reserve in advance by emailing Info@SarasotaPolo.com
Who can I contact if I had a misunderstanding about something?
Email Info@SarasotaPolo.com
Will there be any language barriers?
Our staff speak predominantly English but we can translate any language necessary.
Where can I find details about the teams playing?
We publish the line-up of the teams playing both in our day-of game day program as well as we post that program on social media pages.
Are there specific horses used for polo?
Polo ponies can be any breed, but polo ponies are predominantely off the track Thoroughbreds or of Argentine descent.
I reserved a tailgate slot. Can we tandem park at tailgate slot? If not, where should the second car park? What about other guests arriving with my group?
No parking is reserved for any cars beyond the first car that arrives at a tailgate space. If you do not arrive early to park nearby, you will need to park in our overflow parking area.
What is your rainout or postponed events policy?
Sunday Polo tickets are non-refundable. This includes canceled matches due to weather. Like other outdoor sporting events, Polo is subject to weather, the Club reserves the right to cancel a match if weather conditions are deemed too dangerous for play. Under the terms of a rain-check, tickets for canceled matches may be exchanged for another Sunday Polo date, within 12 months of the originally scheduled match, at the same value and subject to availability. Please contact: Info@SarasotaPolo.com to reschedule your tickets.
How do I get tickets for the South (Members) side?
The South (Members) Side is on a wait list basis. Email info@SarasotaPolo.com to get on that wait list!
1. Can multiple people park in my spot?
Depending on the space location, you might be able to fit more than one car. If you are unable to, you can park in our overflow parking area.
Can you bring your own chairs and umbrellas for the bleachers?
The bleachers do not allow you to bring your own chairs but you may bring your own personal handheld umbrella for shade.
Can I park inside the North Entrance?
Parking within the North Entrance is limited and fills up quickly. If you arrive after we have filled up, you will be sent to our overflow parking area.
How many tickets are included with each tailgate space reservation?
8 tickets are included with each tailgate space reservation. You can purchase additional General Admission tickets for any additional guests arriving with your party.
Are season tailgate tickets sold?
Yes, but they are on a wait list basis. Email Info@SarasotaPolo.com to get on the wait list!
Can I pay by Zelle or Venmo on the day of the event?
No
Can I pay by Apple Pay on the day of the event?
Yes
Are we able to feed apples and carrots to the polo ponies?
No, for everyone’s safety you are not permitted to feed the polo poies. They are hard at work and on strict diets to maintain peak fitness and we do not want to mess with that!
Can I park at the North entrance and walk over to my seat even though it’s on the other side?
No, you must enter on the side of your ticket location. You may roam the grounds from there.
Do I have to pay for the annual magazine?
No, the magazines are complimentary each season!
Can I give my ticket to someone if I’m going to be out of town?
Sure, that’s no problem. Email Info@SarasotaPolo.com to change the name of the individual on the ticket!
Is there more than one match in a single day?
Each public polo match (whether it is Sunday Polo or Sunset Polo Happy Hour) is only one match.
A safety note
Please always be mindful of what is going on while you are attending polo at the Sarasota Polo Club. Balls may often be miss-hit or unintentionally deflected and accidentally fly into the crowd. The horses can also come over the boards, so always stay behind the white safety line. For your safety, we recommend that you stay at least 35 feet away from the boards. Please never lose sight of your children, who may wander towards the field. It is up to spectators to be aware of what is happening around them in order to keep the game safe and enjoyable for all.
The Public is Always Welcome!
Thank you for joining us for the 2024 Season of Sarasota Polo. We look forward to welcoming you again for our 2025 Season. Our 2025 Season will kick off on Sunday, December 22nd, 2024 and continue through Sunday, April 27th, 2025. Sunset Polo Happy Hour will run every Thursday from Thursday, March 13th, 2025 through Thursday, April 10th, 2025 (Match starts at 5:30PM, Gates open at 4:30PM).
Sunday Polo matches are open to the public every Sunday at 1PM. Gates open at 10AM. Join thousands of fans each week during our 2025 Season for exciting polo action, opening parade, live national anthem, theme weeks, half-time entertainment, food, drinks and traditional divot-stomping.
General admission tickets, bleacher seats, reserved tailgates, reserved midfield premium seating, group tents, and VIP options are all available for Sunday Polo. Children 12 and under are free* (*for General Admission, Bleacher Seats, and Tailgate Spaces Only). Dress comfortably & for the weather. Remember, you will be walking on grass. Well-socialized dogs are welcome on a leash, so long as they are attached to their human at all times.
We look forward to welcoming you as our guests to experience the thrill of the Sarasota Polo Club, “the fastest game on four feet!”