WELLINGTON, FL – A week-long celebration in honor of the Stanford Financial Group – 100th U.S. Open Polo Championship combines thrilling high-goal polo action and a series of distinctive parties and unique special events at the new International Polo Club Palm Beach. The polo and once-in-a-lifetime celebratory parties begins Sunday, April 11 and ends Sunday, April 18.

The Stanford Financial Group – U.S. Open is the most prestigious polo tournament in North America. Thirteen teams will compete for the title, with the championship match scheduled for Sunday, April 18 at 3 p.m. The 26-goal tournament draws most of the world’s best players and polo aficionados from around the globe. The U.S. Open is the highest-rated tournament in the United States and one of only three tournaments played at the 26-goal level in North America.

International Polo Club Palm Beach is the first new polo club to be built in decades, and it has fulfilled a long-standing void for a facility dedicated solely to high-goal professional polo. Designed in tropical, “Caribbean-Colonial” style, it combines old-world charm and new-world comfort.

Tickets are on sale now for all polo matches, parties and special events. For ticket information, please call International Polo Club Palm Beach at (561) 204-5687.

The season-ending week-long festivities begin on Easter Sunday, April 11, with a pre-game children’s egg hunt followed by a key Stanford Financial Group – U.S. Open quarterfinal match, sponsored by Cunard. Radio Disney will do a live remote broadcast from the east side of the stadium field, near the children’s activity area.

The plethora of activities continue Wednesday with the Final Four of polo. There’s two pressure-packed semifinal games featuring four of the top teams in the world, followed by a mouth-watering Texas Barbecue so prepare to cowboy up to one of the best days of polo of the year.

Before, during or after the Stanford Financial Group – U.S. Open semifinal games, spectators will be able to enjoy delicious barbecue cuisine at the fieldside concession areas. Between games, a Texas Barbecue Buffet is also available inside the air-conditioned VIP Grand Marquee for $25 per person. Reservations must be made in advance for the VIP tent barbecue by calling (561) 204-5687.

The celebration kicks into high gear with the annual U.S. Open Polo Ball, the black-tie equestrian social finale, Friday night at 7 p.m. at the Grand Marquee overlooking the majestic stadium field at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. This gala is the final social event of the four-month winter equestrian season in Palm Beach County.

International Polo Club Palm Beach owners John and Carroll Goodman are the U.S. Open Polo Ball Chairmen. The committee consists of well-respected equestrian community members Louise Armour, Olexa Celine, Jessie Coppola, Carmen Gracida, Dawn Jones, Linda Mansfield and Lynn Moore.

Individual tickets are $200 each with VIP tables of 10 available for $2,000.

The popular dance band Euphoria, known for their ability to rock the house with covers of numerous 1970s hits, have agreed for a return performance to the delight of the committee. International special events planner Bruce Sutka of Sutka Productions has been hired to decorate and oversee the event and plans a few surprises for the guests. The glamorous first-class event includes a sit-down dinner will be catered by The Breakers.

The next afternoon (Saturday) features what promises to be a fantastic Tailgate Festival coupled with the Stanford Financial Group – U.S. Open Consolation Final between the two teams who lost in the semifinals. Tailgating throughout the season has featuring fine china, crystal glasses and sterling silver accompanied by caviar and champagne. Others haven’t strayed far from the backyard variety with steaks, burgers and chicken, and many tailgaters enjoy a seafood-styled version with shrimp and fine wine. A committee of judges will choose winners in a variety of categories.

Tailgate spots are limited and will be assigned on a first-come basis. Tailgating aficionados George Dupont and Brenda Lynn of the Polo Museum and Hall of Fame are the Co-Chairmen. Winners will be announced at halftime of the consolation final. For information and tickets, call International Polo Club Palm Beach at (561) 204-5687.

The fantastic first season at International Polo Club Palm Beach concludes with the title match of the Stanford Financial Group – U.S. Open Polo Championship on Sunday at 3 p.m. as the last two teams compete for the most prestigious polo trophy in the United States. Following the game, players from both teams will signs autographs and pose for pictures, one foursome happily clutching the 100th U.S. Open trophy.

The Houston-based Stanford Financial Group, a privately-held global network of affiliated companies, has signed on as the title sponsor of the 100th U.S. Open Polo Championship in 2004. Stanford’s family of companies provides international private banking, trust and brokerage services and real estate development. Currently, the Stanford organization manages in excess of $17 billion in deposits and assets, serving clients on six continents. The success of the group is the result of entrepreneurial spirit and drive spearheaded by third generation Chairman and CEO R. Allen Stanford.

The polo matches are open to the public. Tickets for the games at the International Polo Club Palm Beach range from $15 for general admission to $120 for a tailgate spot and are available in advance by calling (561) 204-5687 or by visiting the club’s website at www.internationalpoloclub.com. Tickets are also available at the gate on the day of the game.

International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. >From I-95, take the Forest Hill Boulevard exit and go west approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto South Shore Boulevard and go two miles. Turn left onto Pierson Road, travel about one mile and then make a right onto 120th Avenue South. The club is on the right. From Florida’s Turnpike, take Exit 93 (Lake Worth Road) and go west about six miles. Make a right onto 120th Avenue South. The club is on the left.

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