Oak Brook Polo Club Announces 2019 Polo Season Schedule & Team Roster

Known as one of America’s oldest polo clubs in operation today, Oak Brook Polo Club proudly announces the 2019 schedule and team roster that will take them in to their 97^th season. Considered by many as “the sport of kings,” polo has become a Sunday staple for those in the Chicagoland area, especially since Oak Brook was once considered the “polo capital” of the world. 

Founded in 1922, the Club’s long and storied history has nicknamed the Village of Oak Brook “Polo Town” by many in the global polo community. Its founder, Paul Butler, has been coined as the“Patron Saint of Polo” for resurrecting the sport following World War II and making a home ‘the town that polo built.’

The upcoming 2019 season will feature the return of popular matches such asHorses & Horsepower, Butler Challenge and Jaguar Concours along with the highly attended “Horses & Hops” beer festival.  Two new sideline events that will take place in conjunction with matches include “Horses & Harleys” and “Sips & Saddles” champagneand wine festival.

In addition to the signature International Polo Series, Oak Brook Polo will host two USPA sanctioned 8-goal tournaments, the prestigiousChicago Polo Open and newly formed Oak Brook Polo Open, presented by Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse.   Season matches are as follows:

• June 9^th, Oak Brook Polo Season Opener – Horses & Horsepower
• June 23^rd, Butler Challenge Cup – Polo for Conservation
• July 14^th, Gibsons Oak Brook Polo Open – Village Appreciation
• July 28^th, R.R. McCormick Cup – Jaguar Concours
• August 4^th, Drake Challenge Cup – Horses & Harleys
• August 18^th, Chicago Polo Open – Horses & Hops
• September 8^th, Merrill Lynch Butler International Cup – Diapers & Divots
• September 15^th, Cecil Smith Cup – Sips & Saddles
• September 22^nd, Illinois Players Cup – Team Up For Tony Sekera

Privatized from the Village of Oak Brook in 2016, Oak Brook Polo Club is led and supported by Chicago business leader and team patron, Jim Drury, whose passion and commitment to the sport ofpolo is what’s kept it alive for so many years.   Returning players include ArgentiniansHoracio Onetto (position #3, handicap-4), Tomas “Toto” Obregon (position #2, handicap-4) andMariano Gutierrez (position #4, handicap-4).

“It is with great privilege that I welcome everyone to experience the magic, pageantry and thrill of polo this season,” explains Drury.  “We are thrilled to have rebuilt Oak Brook Polo as aninternational polo destination. The tradition of Sunday polo at Oak Brook has been one of incomparable fun and excitement, the likes of which you may never have experienced – and will certainly never forget.”

For each match, The Drake Oak Brook Hotel will host a pre-event “Sunday Polo Brunch” while Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse will be the preferred venue for post-event entertainment.Heineken will feature a “best tailgate” contest and Room & Board will outfit the Saddle Club with luxury outdoor furniture. Other new and returning sponsors include;Michigan Avenue Magazine, Merrill Lynch, David Yurman, Jaguar Land Rover Hinsdale, Barrington Saddlery, Valley Air Service, Celebrity Cruises, Chicago Luxury Bedand many more.

“It is our mission to make polo accessible affordable and memorable for everyone who attends and reestablish Oak Brook as Chicago’s home for the sport of polo,” explains Danny O’Leary, managingdirector of Oak Brook Polo Club.  “Whether you are looking for a fun family activity, get-together with friends or creative way to entertain clients, Oak Brook Polo should be on your summer bucket list.”

Oak Brook Polo’s season opener will be held Sunday, June 9^th, 2019 at the Prince of Wales Field (2606 York Road) located just 17 miles from downtown Chicago.  A variety of ticket optionsare available:  $12.00 per person for lawn seating; $60.00 per car for tailgating or $75 for VIP tailgating; $50.00 VIP (includes field-site seating in Saddle Club and champagne during divot stomp); $108.00 Brunch and VIP and Saddle Club access.  For groupsof 8 or more, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com or call 630.368.5095 for options and availability.Ticket prices for select events may differ from traditional pricing.