Game On! Bridgehampton Polo Club Opens Its 2013 Season
Bridgehampton, NY (PRWEB) July 29, 2013 -- Summer winds ushered in the 17th annual season opener of Bridgehampton Polo at Two Trees Farms in Bridgehampton, New York on Saturday July 20th where Peter Brant’s team White Birch emerged victorious over Victor Vargas’ Lechuza Caracas with a score of 11 to 5.
For six consecutive Saturdays, from July 20th through August 24th, fans will descend upon the world-famous polo grounds, ready to take in the sport of kings. Shamin Abas Public Relations has worked closely with BPC to create exciting new viewing venues from the chic sponsor VIP tent and lounge to expanded luxury tailgate options.
Season sponsors Burgess Yachts, Gotham Jets, LaCroix Sparkling Water, Polo Gear and Town&Country welcomed guests to the sponsor VIP tent. Flowing dresses and wide brimmed hats billowed in the breeze as guests enjoyed the excitement, cooled by Bertaud Belieu Rosé and shielded from the sun by opening day sponsor Escada’s beautiful umbrellas. LaCroix created a special drink for Bridgehampton Polo called the Pink Pony that was delightfully refreshing in the 90 plus degree heat.
Christie Brinkley, looking resplendent in coral, conducted the coin toss. The accomplished horsewoman who was the National Cutting Horse Association Champion in Fort Worth, Texas commented on the day, “I think polo has become synonymous with the Hamptons now. It’s the most glamorous day of the year when people get out of their cut offs and sarongs and get to see these beautiful horses and the gorgeous men on top of them.”
Dylan Jenet of Universal Republic Records belted out the national anthem. The young, local wonder who has even soloed in front of President Obama stated, “I was so excited that they asked me to sing here. I’m working now with Stevie Wonder who is my executive producer and hopefully I’ll have a single out very soon.”
Guests included Amanda Hearst, Natasha Barnard, Kim Raver, Kelly Klein, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Campion and Tatiana Platt, Jason Binn, Jonathan Cheban, Samantha Yanks, Gianpaolo De Felice and Gabby Karan De Felice, Donna Karan, Daniel Benedict and Andrew Saffir.
Matt Emerson, Director of the Americas for Burgess, the global superyacht industry leader, commented on their first year sponsorship, “Polo is a unique outdoor sport like yachting. It’s a very social event that draws an affluent mix. There’s a cross over crowd at polo that tend to be into yachting. It falls in line with where we want to build our brand presence.” Emerson invited his global clients and more than thirty attended the match, a chance to connect and also meet potential new clients. Burgess, which is an international full service brokerage for superyacht construction, sales, charters, and operational management, has some of its finest luxury yachts in nearby Sag Harbor such as KATYA, a 151 foot Delta Marine Yacht, and Blind Date, a 134 foot Lurssen, both of which are available for sale and charter.
For sponsor Gianpaolo De Felice of Gotham Jets, afternoons at Bridgehampton Polo are a family affair with wife Gabby, children and mother-in-law Donna Karan enjoying the day together. He commented, “Polo is a fantastic experience. It’s great to be part of this incredible event with the horses and for us it’s great to launch this new company Gotham Jets, a private jet company with professional aviation advisors and dedicated airplanes. We’re really excited about combining service with operational knowledge.” De Felice, himself an accomplished pilot, knows the luxury private jet market well and is introducing his new company to offer exclusive fleets, access, and service.
For those enjoying tailgates, Tutto Il Giorno is offering a sumptuous summer mix each Saturday from their traditional Italian fare to Hamptons favorite lobster rolls. Guests can pick up their favorites and also stop at the Prosecco bar.
Town&Country Publisher Jennifer Levene Bruno stated, “Town&Country has been chronicling life on and off the polo field since it was first played in America through this past weekend at the Bridgehampton Polo Club. The magazine remains a symbol of discerning taste and achievement; as the preeminent luxury brand, this is a natural alignment amongst such esteemed luxury brands who supported Opening Day at Bridgehampton.”
Sculptor Adrian Landon was also on hand to present his hand crafted iron sculptures as trophies for the top performers. As the announced joked, the wonderful thing about Landon’s life-size horse sculptures is that you don’t need a stall and you don’t have to clean them.
The hard fought match showcased the valiant real life polo ponies and their riders who went all out in the heat. White Birch’s Del Walton was named Most Valuable Player and Matt Emerson of Burgess presented a cooler to the Best Playing Pony Denali, played by Joao Paulo Ganon.
The VIP tent will be open to guests of the sponsors and the club for Opening Day and Closing Day, while throughout the season thousands will come each Saturday to enjoy a family day out- taking in the match from a blanket, accompanied by a delicious picnic. In the VIP tent, field-side garden areas will give patrons an unparalleled view of the match. They will enjoy a pre-game reception replete with light hors d’oeuvres, rosé wine, summery cocktails and pre-match entertainment.
The public is invited to enjoy the match from the sidelines, where Tutto to Go will serve refreshments each Saturday of the season.
Sponsors: Season-long sponsors include: Burgess Yachts, Gotham Jets, LaCroix, Polo Gear and Town&Country. Escada was an opening day sponsor. Ferrari North America will present closing day.
Tickets are available at the gate for the price of $30 per car, with proceeds benefitting the Bridgehampton Childcare and Recreational Center. For more information, go to http://www.BridgehamptonPoloLLC.com.
For press inquiries and interview requests, please contact Kelly Downey of Shamin Abas Public Relations at kellyd(at)shaminabaspr(dot)com or 561.366.1226.
Kelly Downey, Shamin Abas Public Relations, (561) 366-1226, [email protected]
Share this article