USPA Global Licensing Inc., the official licensing arm and national broadcaster of the United States Polo Association, recently announced that U.S. Polo Assn. will sponsor Gladiator Polo for 2019 as it returns to South Florida for the busy winter polo season.
The games feature four teams: Palm Beach, New York, Los Angeles and Dublin. All teams have some of the best professional polo players from around the world competing for bragging rights and prize money. U.S. Polo Assn. is serving as the official apparel sponsor, with all games being held in the newly constructed U.S. Polo Assn. Coliseum at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
This increasingly popular format occurs at night under the lights in an arena. Additionally, the games are fast-paced with fewer players and shorter periods required. The Gladiator Polo season for South Florida runs through April 13, with games being played on Friday and Saturday nights.
“We couldn’t be more excited about Gladiator Polo, a dynamic, adrenaline-fueled addition to the world of professional polo,” USPAGL President & CEO J. Michael Prince said. “This sponsorship opportunity will not only allow us to help push this new platform even further into the global spotlight, it also builds U.S. Polo Assn. brand awareness among an entirely new potential customer base. As the official apparel outfitter, we’re getting U.S. Polo Assn. apparel in front of a new audience.”
As owner of IPC, the location for all 2019 winter season Gladiator Polo games, Wellington Equestrian Partners CEO Mark Bellissimo is equally passionate on the arena polo sport’s prospects.
“I’ve been shocked — in a good way — at the speed with which Gladiator Polo has taken off,” Bellissimo said. “Partnering with U.S. Polo Assn. on this sponsorship highlights the commitment of the traditional polo community to support this emerging sport, which is poised for mass market engagement.”
USPA CEO Robert Puetz agreed. “We’re impressed by the level of fan-engagement with Gladiator Polo,” Puetz said. “And by partnering with IPC to bring it under the U.S. Polo Assn. Coliseum roof this year, we’re infusing this fast-paced, incredibly exciting sport with core USPA values, including high safety standards, professional umpiring and amazing talent of players.”
