CHADDS FORD, Pa. — Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the game, this weekend’s polo events at the Brandywine Polo Club offer an exciting blend of sport, tradition and community—just a short drive from the heart of Chadds Ford.
Matches will be held Friday at 5:30 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m. (under the lights for the popular Starlight Polo), and Sunday at 3 p.m. Gates open early for tailgating, and spectators are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and refreshments for a relaxed, social experience on the club’s 122-acre grounds at 232 Polo Road, Toughkenamon, PA.
Founded in the 1950s, Brandywine is now the largest U.S. Polo Association club in the Eastern Circuit. Its summer season runs from May to September and includes weekly public matches, USPA-sanctioned tournaments, arena games, and lessons for beginners.
“Polo is fast, strategic, and elegant—it’s a team sport on horseback that you really have to see live to appreciate,” said Martin Eddy, the club’s 27-year-old manager and a fourth-generation Argentine polo professional. “We’ve built something here that’s as much about the community as it is about the competition.”
Each match consists of several seven-minute periods called chukkas, as teams of four players compete to drive the ball into the opposing goal using long mallets—all while riding at full gallop. It’s a thrilling display of horsemanship and teamwork that appeals to sports fans and social-goers alike.
This month’s featured events include:
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Aug. 1 (Friday) – Sunset Polo, gates open 4 p.m., match at 5:30 p.m.
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Aug. 3 (Sunday) – Sunday Polo, gates open 12:30 p.m., match at 3 p.m.
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Aug. 8 (Friday) – Dixon Stroud Amateur Cup Prelims, gates open 4 p.m., match at 5:30 p.m.
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Aug. 9 (Saturday) – Arena “Starlight Polo”: Hippies vs. Cowboys, gates open 5 p.m., match at 6 p.m.
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Aug. 10 (Sunday) – Dixon Stroud Amateur Cup Final, gates open 12:30 p.m., match at 3 p.m., with Landhope Farms food truck on site.
General admission is $15 online or $20 at the gate, with free parking included. Lawn seating is first-come, first-served, with shaded areas available on select fields. Tailgating spots and Brandywine Social Club memberships are also available for those looking to make polo a regular part of their summer weekends.
For tickets, weather updates, or field assignments, call the Polo Hotline at 833-BPC-POLO or visit www.brandywinepolo.com.
Whether you’re looking for a unique date night, a family outing, or just a scenic spot to unwind, polo in Chadds Ford delivers an experience where elegance meets adrenaline—and where everyone’s welcome.
About George Rotsch
George is the publisher of Chadds Ford LIVE along with DelawareLIVE, MilfordLIVE, and TownSquareLIVE. He is a professional communicator and marketing consultant. He has worked national brand and local non-profits and contribute to editorial strategy and as a reporter from time to time. He can be reached at george@delawarelive.com.
