Experience Premier Polo: Eldorado and Empire Polo Clubs in Greater Palm Springs 2020 Season
Saddle up for a premier Greater Palm Springs sporting event this peak season with the return of polo matches at the Eldorado Polo Club and Empire Polo Club in Indio.
Known as the "Sport of Kings," polo at these venues offers an exhilarating spectator experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike during Greater Palm Springs' high season.
New to polo? No problem. Spectators can enjoy sunny afternoons socializing, dining, and drinking with options for reserved table seating or casual tailgating at both clubs.
Matches feature two teams of four horse-mounted players racing at speeds over 30 mph. Games typically last 90 minutes, divided into four or six 7.5-minute periods called "chukkers."
Like soccer, the goal is to drive the ball through the opponent's goalposts using a mallet—a challenging feat in this fast-paced contact sport. Live play-by-play commentary heightens the excitement and educates new fans.
Eldorado Polo Club
Home to 10 full-sized fields, Eldorado Polo Club has hosted matches for 60 years and ranks among North America's largest polo clubs. The 2020 season kicks off Sunday, January 5, with games at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. every Sunday through March 22.
Eldorado also features "Cantina Polo on the Patio" weekends starting Saturday, December 28, 2019, with matches on Saturdays at noon and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Cantina seating is first-come, first-served.
For Sunday games, Clubhouse seating costs $10 per person, offering a full food and beverage menu with table reservations strongly recommended. Post-match, join the lively "Sunday After Polo Party" for players and guests.
For tailgating, bring lawn chairs or blankets for your polo picnic. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Tailgaters can bring leashed pets and purchase take-away food and drinks from the Clubhouse.
Sunday matches showcase international players, while Eldorado offers Amateur Leagues and a Polo and Riding Academy for those eager to play or learn to ride.
Empire Polo Club
Famous as the home of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival, Empire Polo Club transforms into a polo haven during the season.
The season soft-opens Sunday, December 29, 2019, with "Opening Day & Hat Day" on Sunday, January 5, 2020. Matches run every Sunday through March 29 (except January 19 and March 8) at noon and 2:00 p.m.
General admission is free ($20 parking fee). Tailgate spots and bleacher seating are first-come, first-served; gates open at 10:00 a.m. Bring your own food, drinks, blankets, and chairs; on-site concessions available. Leashed dogs welcome.
VIP experience (reservations required) is $30 per person, including parking, shaded table, complimentary Champagne Divot Stomp, and access to the Sports Lounge with flat-screen TVs for Sunday football.
Select February and March dates feature free Friday Night Polo (no parking or admission fees; bring your own food/drinks). No VIP seating; check the schedule for dates.
Aspiring players can train at Empire's winter home for the Los Angeles Polo Training Center and Polo School, offering private/group lessons and a Coaching League from December through March.
Enjoy the "Sport of Kings" in this desert oasis. Learn more about polo events, activities, and equestrian sports in Greater Palm Springs here.
