For the first time in its eight-year history, the annual West Coast Polo Fest is going to be held in Delta.
It takes place Aug. 10 and 11 at the Vancouver Polo Club (VPC), located at 3948 88 Street.
Previously, the event had taken place at the Southlands Riding Club in Vancouver. (It debuted in 2014 and was held there every year with the exceptions of 2020 and 2021, when it was cancelled due to COVID.)
Paul Sullivan, co-founder of the VPC (which, despite its name, has always been based in Delta), says this year’s fest is poised to be the best yet, thanks in part to the VPC’s vastly larger playing field.
“A proper polo field is the equivalent of nine football fields — about 10 acres,” he explains. “In Vancouver, we were playing on a field that’s less than one acre. That’s just not as exciting to watch. For horses to get up to full speed, which is 40 miles per hour, you need the space of a proper field.”
Also new at this year’s fest are the additions of a live country-rock band in the afternoon and a DJ at night (Aug. 10 only), as well as food trucks, a beer garden, a margarita bar and more. Although it has a liquor license, the event is family-friendly and open to all ages.
For an additional cost, attendees have the option of renting a tailgate spot (which includes four general-admission tickets) as well as a personal or corporate cabana, each of which includes chairs, hay bales, and optional à la carte additions.
Plus, every attendee has the chance of winning a gold bar valued at $3,500.
Despite being a relatively low-profile sport, polo has deep roots in Metro Vancouver, dating back to the 1920s. While its popularity has ebbed and flowed throughout the past century, Sullivan believes polo is poised for a major comeback.
“Some 40 years ago, there was a different polo club and a different generation of people who played polo in Delta. Then there was a 25-plus-years gap,” he says. “But every time we bring a group of people to our club in Delta who haven’t seen polo, they’re amazed by how exciting it is. People always, always enjoy the experience.
“We play polo in the summertime every Sunday at 2 p.m., and the public is welcome to come, bring a picnic and enjoy some time in the country.”
For more information about the West Coast Polo Fest and to purchase tickets, visit: vancouverpolo.com/west-coast-polo-fest.
