30th Annual Harriman Polo Cup

On September 13, 2014 the 30th Annual Harriman Polo Cup took place at Bethpage Polo Grounds in New York. The Harriman Polo Cup is the fundraiser and alumni polo match between Yale and University of Virginia that commemorates the life of diplomat, polo player, and former New York governor Averell Harriman.

Each year hundreds of Harriman Polo Cup fans load onto the Long Island Railroad headed out east for a long day of catching up with friends and enjoying cocktails and appetizers, a la picnic style. Keeping with the tradition, the first match is bike polo.

What may look like something that is mocking actually polo, bike polo is really serious. Yeah, shocker to me too! There is actually an International Bicycle Polo Championship. Following bike polo, is the main event. This year, UVA took home the championship.

Aside from the actual match, the event is very social, bringing out private clubs such as IvyConnect, alumni associations, retail vendors such as JP Crickets and industry affiliated groups. Don’t worry if you aren’t apart of any of the associations, you can always get the VIP ticket, which might I add is pretty amazing. Who doesn’t like an open bar and unlimited food, while watching a match? Plus, you will get to meet some really interesting people.

The scene is very preppy, think Vineyard Vines, Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, J. Press…you get the idea. Fashion is just as apart of the event as the horses. It’s all about the look and feel and culture of any equestrian sport. Like most equestrian sporting events, there was a best hat contest for men and women, best dressed and best dog.

The rain didn’t stop the party as the guest danced the afternoon away under the main tent to the tunes of a live band and DJ. The Harriman Cup is guaranteed a good time.If you plan on going next year, I recommend purchasing the VIP ticket.