Sunday polo is one of Wellington's great traditions. The 2026 to 2027 Palm Beach polo season runs from December 27, 2026 to May 2, 2027 at the National Polo Center, the United States Polo Association's home venue. Here is everything you need to plan a day at the polo.
Polo season at a glance
- Dates
- December 27, 2026 to May 2, 2027
- Venue
- National Polo Center, 3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
- Highlights
- The Gauntlet of Polo tournaments, February through April
- Groups
- Reserved group seating is available for parties of 20 or more
The venue
The National Polo Center sits on about 161 acres in the heart of Wellington's horse country and has seven tournament fields, making it one of the largest polo facilities in the country. The property was long known as the International Polo Club Palm Beach before the United States Polo Association bought it in 2022 and made it the permanent home of American polo. Beyond the fields, the clubhouse has more than 7,000 square feet of event space and several dining options, including the Mallet Grill.
The Gauntlet of Polo
The heart of the season is the Gauntlet of Polo, a series of the sport's most prestigious high-goal tournaments played from February through April. The world's top teams, players and horses compete across the series, and the finals are the biggest days of the year at the venue. Earlier in the season, the schedule includes opening tournaments and lower-goal competition, which are a relaxed way to see the sport up close.
Polo for first-timers
- Sunday is the day. Sunday afternoon matches are the classic Wellington polo experience, with the biggest crowds and the most energy.
- Join the divot stomp. At halftime, spectators traditionally walk onto the field to press the chunks of turf kicked up by the horses back into place.
- Know the basics. Each team has four players, matches are divided into periods called chukkers, and players switch horses between chukkers, so you will see a lot of horses over an afternoon.
- Dress the part, comfortably. Sundresses, linen and sun hats are common, but bring shoes you can walk on grass in.
- Book ahead for groups. If you are planning a birthday or company outing, ask about reserved seating for 20 or more.
Make a day of it
Polo season overlaps with the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Global Dressage Festival, so winter weekends in Wellington can easily include a horse show on Saturday and polo on Sunday. For dinner afterward, see our Wellington restaurant guide, and check the events calendar for the full season schedule.
Frequently asked questions
When is polo season in Wellington?
The 2026 to 2027 Palm Beach polo season runs from December 27, 2026 to May 2, 2027 at the National Polo Center.
Where do you watch polo in Wellington, FL?
At the USPA National Polo Center, 3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414.
What is the Gauntlet of Polo?
The Gauntlet of Polo is a series of the sport's most prestigious high-goal tournaments played at the National Polo Center from February through April.
What is the divot stomp?
A polo tradition where spectators walk onto the field at halftime to press loose chunks of turf back into place.
Sources
- The Palm Beaches: Palm Beach Polo Season
- Wellington The Magazine: Exciting Season Planned At The National Polo Center
- Eurodressage: USPA buys polo grounds in Wellington (2022)
- National Polo Center official website
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