A Guide to the 2024 Philadelphia Polo Classic in Fairmount Park

The Experience

The Philadelphia Polo Classic features a full day of events, including two heated matches between teams of premier polo players.

In between competitions, attendees can enjoy games and activities on the lawn, like a parade of ornate antique carriages and a stick pony race for the kids (and kids at heart).

Guests can also:

• grab posters and other goodies at the merch tent
• sip and snack at the Milkboy spirits tent, and
• sprawl out for a picnic with pay-as-you-go delectables from local food trucks, like Smoke Break BBQ, Gigi’s & Big R Caribbean American Soul Food, and Hardy Funnel Cakes, or an upscale boxed meal (available by pre-order from Feast Your Eyes Catering).

And, of course, don’t forget those polo ’fits. Get into the spirit of the game by dressing in your best and brightest. Think sundresses, fancy hats, tweed jackets and bow ties. (Or you can’t go wrong with — wait for it — a classic polo shirt.)

Tickets

General admission tickets cost $50 per person. Ticketholders are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs or take in the action from the bleachers (first come, first served).

Premium and VIP upgrades start at $500 and include center-field or field-side seating, plus complimentary food and drink offerings.

  — Photo courtesy Philadelphia Polo Classic

The family-friendly event — co-sponsored by Visit Philadelphia — benefits Work to Ride, a nonprofit organization that aids and engages Philadelphia youth through activities centered on horsemanship, equestrian sports, access and education. Over the years, polo matches have become a favorite among Work to Ride’s students. Keep your eyes peeled: Several of the program’s alumni, including Shariah Harris and Kareem Rosser, hit the field during the day’s matches.

Getting There

The Philadelphia Polo Classic takes place at Edgely Field in East Fairmount Park.

Street parking is available throughout Fairmount Park (first come, first served) and SEPTA’s No. 32, No. 49 and No. 61 bus routes run right along the park.

  — Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Polo Classic

For more information on Philadelphia Polo Classic tickets and events, visit the official website by clicking the button below.

The Rules of Polo

New to the game and want to know what to expect? We’ve got you covered.

Known as “the sport of kings,” polo features two horseback teams of four — including men and women — moving a ball downfield with a mallet. The goal of the game is to score the most points by striking the ball through goalposts at opposite ends of the field. Due to the smaller field size, the Philadelphia Polo Classic is played with teams of three.

  — Photo courtesy Philadelphia Polo Classic

Polo matches are made up of six 7-minute periods (known as “chukkers”), with a 15-minute halftime in between where spectators can take to the field to stomp down any upturned divots.