The start of the new year always signals the beginning of polo season here in the Coachella Valley. Many visitors may not realize that Indio is home to not one but two major polo clubs, Empire Polo and Eldorado Polo, that host games from January thru April. The polo fields (which also serve as home to festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach) are located just 30 minutes from our hotel making it an easy drive for Sunday afternoon matches.
Many are familiar with polo thanks to the iconic scene in Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts and Richard Gere’s characters attend a charity polo match filled with champagne, men in Summer suits, and fashionable women in hats. In real life, polo is a much more casual affair, especially at our local clubs, where spectators can choose to tailgate with friends and bring along a picnic lunch and some wine or beer. If a more exclusive experience is what you crave be sure to purchase tickets for Empire Polo’s VIP area where for $35 per person you will have a reserved table under the tents, a champagne divot stomp, and access to bars and table service for food. Eldorado Polo offers Cantina seating where spectators can enjoy the thrill of the game from their table complete with a full menu of food and drinks. Seating is $10 per person.
Opening Day for both clubs is Sunday, January 7th with matches at 12 pm and 2 pm with gates opening at 10 am. Empire Polo will be opening the season with it’s annual Opening Day “Hat Day” and contest, be warned, many attendees take their hats very seriously! For more information on attending a match or the game of polo be sure to visit either of the clubs’ websites.
Written by Nicole Bowen of The Darling Niki