2024 was a banner year for the Newport Polo International Series presented by Turkish Airlines, packed with action, growth, and unforgettable moments! The annual cycle kicked off in high gear with an 8-hour sellout of the annual Charity Ball upon its December release, in the midst of preseason buzz that reached a fever pitch with record-breaking demand for season subscriptions and Polo Party bookings.

Excitement hit its stride as fans received international team announcements, culminating in the thrilling debut of Pakistan for an epic summer opener. A fresh lineup of Meet & Greet events brought hundreds of enthusiasts to Destination Newport, turning each international clash into a weekend of themed celebrations.

Adding to the momentum, the Club’s Coaching League sent its next generation of polo hopefuls galloping into the spotlight, ready to make their mark in future tournaments. From start to finish, 2024 showcased high-stakes competition, global camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of the sport! Below are some of the milestones achieved.

2024 Fundraising Benchmarks

Newport Polo's annual charitable fundraising efforts across its collective initiatives raised nearly $150,000 in 2024, benefitting 95 nonprofit organizations, bringing our historic total to nearly $2.2 million in charitable dollars raised since 1992.  Wide-ranging community impact reached across Rhode Island and beyond, providing aid for disadvantaged children and families, enriching lives through community music, arts, and educational programs, supporting veterans, animal welfare, medical advancements, and more. In addition to ticket donations to over 60 organizations, we are proud to highlight that:

• The 30^th edition of the official 2024 Season Program was supported by nearly 70 advertisers, mainly local businesses. The popular new glossy publication is proudly produced in partnership with the Rotary Club of Newport who has received the entirety of advertisement sales revenue since 1991 to fund their numerous charitable initiatives. Co-published and distributed by Newport This Week, the complimentary program's ad revenue was further augmented by proceeds from ticket sales from the May 25th Rotary Benefit Polo Match. 
• The 8^th annual All Charity Day match set multiple records on Sunday, July 14^th when the Saturday match was postponed to Sunday for a rare combined event, setting the stage for the largest Sunday match in Newport Polo history, and smashing our previous All Charity Day fundraising record with a whopping $55,000+ raised throughout the day! Details and registration for the upcoming year are announced in January in Newport Polo’s Digital Magazine. 
• The 23^rd annual International Polo Charity Ball, Argentango Fandango, Presented by BD brought to life the famed Rosecliff mansion on Bellevue Avenue on August 2^nd. Team Argentina was the honoree on the eve of their match against USA. Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice was the sole beneficiary, collecting over $50,000 in auction proceeds and cash donations to fund optimal health and care for newborns.  A recap and album of photos can be found at this link

2024 Milestones by the Numbers

175 - Polo Parties booked, including reunions, personal celebrations, social groups, nuptial events and corporate socials.

38 - Pakistan debuted as the 38^th nation to raise its flag amongst BD Field's southern perimeter collonade.

23 - Local Businesses featured in the West Lawn Village's lively tapestry of gourmet Food Trucks (13) and Boutique Merchants (10).

18 - Best in Show Winners in weekly themed contests, awarded by Stella Artois and Cocoa & Co.

 16 -  Years since Egypt last competed in the Polo Series.

10 - Sold-Out Clicquot Terrasse experiences in the Newport Life Cabana Club throughout the season.

8 - Novel Meet & Greet receptions hosted on the eve of international matches at Hammetts Hotel, Clarke Cooke House, Newport Harbor Island Resort, Forty 1° North, Brenton Hotel, Hotel Viking, the Burgee Bar and 12 Meter Charters.

8 - DJ'd Après Polo celebrations by Goslings Rum, Tito's Handmade Vodka and The Cocktail Guru, catered by restaurants and celebrity chefs.

5 - Continents represented by our international lineup in 2024 (Asia, Africa, Europe, S. America & N. America). 

4 - Fully operational Newport Life Cabana Club suites were brimming to capacity at every match, providing premium fieldside party seating. 

4 - City Rivals challenged the home team from up and down the Eastern seaboard, hailing from Florida to Boston. 

3 - Trips Awarded in 2024 by random drawing: 1^st ever Irish Castle Getaway, awarded by The Truth About Horses; 3^rd consecutive Jamaican Resort Getaway awarded by Visit Jamaica. and the 5^th annual Grand Prize trip to anywhere in the world, awarded by Turkish Airlines. 

3 - US Northeast Championships were featured in the Polo Series: the June 29 A-1 Roofing Independence Cup, the July 27 Governor’s Cup, and the Sept. 7 BMW Newport Pro-Am

2 - Appearances by RI Governor Daniel McKee.

1 - Unforgettable Year!

Other Notables

Saluted veterans with a color guard, including 4-time bronze star recipient Marvin Gilmore, whose WWII battalion was first to go ashore on Normandy beach.  

Reimagined beverage service in the TD Pavilion and Cabanas brought faster delivery and expanded menu from the Patio Bar by The Cocktail Guru.

Lead singer for one of the world's top barbershop ensembles, Dr. Anand Sitaram sang the National Anthem during USA vs. England match. 

Celebrity cameos by screen actress & author, Christy Cashman (The Truth About Horses), Baywatch beauty Traci 
Bingham and New England Patriots' offensive tackle Calvin Anderson.

Rollout of our freshly minted Pony Express Cocktail Cart, delivering handcrafted cocktails to fieldside picnickers.

Pony Parade through downtown Newport with USA and Dominican Republic teams to the Clarke Cooke House.

Herb Chambers Exotics Village V showcased rare supreme luxury automobiles fieldside each month.

Captured 1000s of gameday fan portraits by resident photographer, Cocoa & Co.

Reinstated Season Subsubscriptions for Reserved Tables in the TD Pavilion.

Hosted the 8^th Battle of the Sexes, 15^th Battle of the Ages and 7^th Pro-Am.

Pro Shop expanded its signature collection with droves of new items. 

Hosted Cars & Coffee at Newport Polo Grounds.

Polo Club Highlights

Hosted 22 teams for 6 Arena Polo Tournaments, including 3 USPA Northeast circuit tournaments and 3 Club Tournaments

Awarded Polo Club Awards to the Rookie of the Year, Sportsmanship, Most Improved Player and Best Playing Ponies

Fielded 16 teams for 3 USPA Northeast Circuit Outdoor Tournaments (June, July and Aug/Sept) 

Graduated 13^th class of advanced new players in the annual summer Coaching League. 

Introduced polo to 124 new adult & teen players in 38 weeks of polo lessons. 

Welcomed new Club Members who comprised 24% of 2024 membership.

Sustained the largest club out of 40 Northeastern polo clubs.

2024 International Polo Sponsors

The Newport International Polo Series proudly salutes its 2024 sponsors including Brenton Hotel, BD, TD Bank, Turkish Airlines, Modern Luxury Boston, Herb Chambers Exotics, Vanderbilt International Properties, Hotel Viking, Hammetts Hotel, Newport Harbor Island Resort, Forty 1° North, Newport Life, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Providence Business News, Clarke Cooke House, BMW of Newport, Atria Senior Living, Tito's Vodka, US Polo Assn, Stella Artois, British American Business Council New England, The Truth About Horses, A1 Roofing & Construction, Visit Jamaica, Goslings, ROCKSTAR Limo, Hendrick's Gin, Milagro Tequila and Classical 95.9 WCRI; and promotional partners including Newport Helicopter Tours, The Cocktail Guru, Newport Jaguar Tours, Cocoa & Co, Island Adventures, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport Vineyards, Newport Mansions, Elizabeth in Newport, Newport Picnic Co., Newport International Boat Show and Audrain Automobile Museum.

“Our sponsors have been with us since the beginning. Without their support, the Series would not be as extensive as it is,” explains Dan Keating, Polo Series founder.