Bondi Beach Polo 2016

By Amy Wisemantel.

Have you ever been to a polo match before? Nope? Doesn’t matter really, ‘cause the polo is being brought to you. For the first time ever in Sydney, a celebration of equine proportions will be going down and will feature all the polo trimmings; elite international polo players, over 70 polo ponies, 3,000 guests and 1,000 VIPs. Bondi Beach Polo 2016 doth cometh. Grab a fat sharpie, and circle May 7 and 8 on that cat calendar your auntie got for Christmas.

Polo itself has been around for donkey’s years… Persian Emperor Shapur II learned to play polo when he was seven years old and that was way back in 316 AD. And actually the modern game has been played by other royals, like Kate and Wills. There is however a new version of the traditional equine team sport. A sandier, saltier version.

Beach polo. It’s a faster, easier to watch, more inclusive and twice as entertaining. It’s kind of like 20/20 cricket of polo – all the good stuff and no waiting around. There will be four professional round robin matches taking place as well as two celebrity matches, so no matter what time you arrive, there’ll be something exciting for you to watch. Giddy, giddy, giddy up.

Having said that, it is in your best interests to get there as early as you can and purchase your VIP ticket, so the Champagne, fine wines, boutique beers and gourmet menu doesn’t go to waste. If you’ve purchased a general admission ticket, don’t worry you won’t miss out on the fun. There will be many a themed bar ready to quench your impressive thirst and greedy hunger.

Not to mention there will also be live music, fashion parades, magic acts, competitions and fireworks to revel in, and if that doesn’t get you choosing your best polo attire, you could also win one of two luxury cars valued at $80,000 each. It’s like Disneyland, Octoberfest and The Price is Right all rolled into one big adult fun day.

This is the first of its kind here at Bondi, or in Sydney for that matter. Tickets will go on sale on May 6 and start at $149.

Bondi Beach Polo International Cup runs May 7 and 8, 2016.

Images: Alex Wigan