This year will be remembered for the changes that have taken place both on and off the field, with new rules and new leaders within the Argentine Polo Association (AAP). These changes will be under observation more than ever now that the Argentine Open, the most prestigious polo tournament in the world, nears. The 124th edition kicks off on Saturday and promises to be a fantastic spectacle.
La Irenita and Las Esquina Los Machitos will set the ball rolling with the first match on November 4th, at 2pm. The game mark Rodrigo Rueda’s and Pascual Sáinz de Vicuña’s Palermo debut. Doors open at midday and the public is invited to enjoy the food on offer, in a different setting to that of previous years. The day will end with an entertaining live performance from band Los Bonnitos.
Everyone visiting Palermo will be able to pick and choose from a wide variety of dishes and snacks, from the best burger in town to special menus put together by many outstanding chefs. As well as the usual screen located behind the goals on ground one, there will be another screen located in the main patio, so that everyone who chooses to can enjoy delicious food while watching the best polo in the world!
Due to new rules making the Triple Crown a more dynamic affair, the gap between matches will be slightly longer, so that spectators have the chance to enjoy every aspect of Palermo. The public will have time to get settled in and relax before the game on the number one ground. There will be a special event at the end of every fixture, from a live show to custom performances.
One of the biggest points to highlight about this Argentine Open is that ticket prices will be the same as they were in 2016. For 200 pesos you can watch the best polo in the world live! Palermo will stay open until late, so everyone can make the most of the day, and on the day of the final, Palermo will stay open until 1am.
Every one of the eleven fixtures will have a special theme, from a focus on food to other a celebration of equestrian sports. Like last year, two fixtures will be played during the week (Tuesday, November 14th and Wednesday, November 15th). Those days will offer an after office that promises to entertain!
Younger fans will also have a place at Palermo, with many activities dedicated especially to them. They will also have the chance of having a photograph taken with their idols and have a polo ball signed.
Each sponsor of the Open will have a special day allocated to them, so that they may charm their clients and get closer to the public. There will also be a space dedicated to the polo exhibition that will be part of the 2018 Junior Olympics, in preparation of that historic moment.
Finally, what a better way to get ready for the great final on December 2nd than with the final of the Women’s Open, due on ground two prior to the Men’s Open. Hold tight, the next month of polo is going to be sensational!