Newport Polo — Local services in Portsmouth

A man arranges his Cuban cigar against his Bentley's grille fifty yards from a family spreading a Target blanket. Welcome to Newport Polo, where America's most successful experiment in elite accessibility unfolds every summer Saturday.

Founded in 1876 by newspaper magnate James Gordon Bennett Jr.—who urinated into his fiancée's fireplace before fleeing to Paris—Newport Polo evolved from Gilded Age boys' club into something more complex: an institution appearing democratic while remaining hierarchical.

General admission costs $25, children attend free, gates open four hours early. But beyond folding chairs lies the tailgate area, where Rolls-Royces sport "Reserved Sponsor" placards and private cabanas cost $2,000.

Women perfect "Newport Smart Casual"—flowing backless dresses, wide-brimmed hats, cork wedges. Men wear gingham shirts and colored trousers, signaling educated professional class without requiring wealth. Instagram-ready without trying.

Halftime "divot stomping" encapsulates this theater. Hundreds flood the field, ostensibly repairing turf but performing see-and-be-seen rituals under golden light. A professional scoreboard displays progress above the Tudor pavilion.

Dan Keating resurrected the club in 1992 after finding "ruins," investing $600,000 recasting brass hardware. His genius: preserving grandeur while opening gates. Since reopening, teams from 38 countries competed, $2.2 million raised for charity.

Economic architecture reveals inequality beneath accessibility. Prime tailgate spots command $100-125 with multi-season waits. The charity ball at Rosecliff mansion, tickets $420+, represents peak exclusivity.

Turkish Airlines sponsors, TD Bank claims pavilion naming. Revenue includes lessons, weddings ($4,750+ for pavilion events), winter facilities.

Multiple reviewers expected snootiness but found opposite—the club mastered appearing inclusive while maintaining premium elements. What emerges is calibrated social space where hierarchies persist beneath surface accessibility.

Newport Polo's achievement: democratic theater around aristocratic sport. Lowering spectating barriers while preserving exclusive experiences solved elite institutions' challenge—remaining relevant without sacrificing prestige.

Whether progress or sophisticated elitism depends on perspective. Millionaires and middle managers share views, separated by invisible boundaries money alone can't breach. Bennett's legacy endures—not scandal, but spaces where American social climbing unfolds publicly.

The result is fascinating anthropological theater where quarter-million-dollar automobiles serve as picnic backdrops while children run free on grass once reserved for robber barons. Neither democratic triumph nor elitist preservation, but something uniquely American: successful commercialization of aristocratic fantasy, packaged for mass consumption while maintaining just enough exclusivity to...

First time going to a Polo match and had a wonderful time. The entire experience from beginning to end was positive. The process for buying tickets online was fairly easy and user friendly. Even contacting customer support for some questions was a positive experience. They responded to my questions in a timely manner and guided me to more information that was very useful. I planned this event for x3 couples, so there were plenty of questions to go around since 4/6 were experiencing it for the first time. Directions to the grounds were very clear and easy to follow, parking was hassle free, getting to our table was simple, and ordering food/drinks was very convenient. The entire staff was friendly throughout the event. Being our first time, we were all extremely happy and satisfied, we had such a great time that we will be doing it again. I highly recommend this event for anyone who is looking for something exciting to do outdoors...

First time going and purchased table seats by the pavilion which means you can't bring beverages and have to use the server. We were lucky to have been served twice for the two hours we were there. They also say they have food trucks, well there was one tent with hot dogs and hamburgers...but they ran out just before game time...and a mini donut tent. What a selection. You can bring your own food (for all the seats) and beverages at the other seats (tail gate). That would have been the way to go but was hoping for a food truck feast. Besides that the field was in beautiful shape and the athletes put on a great show. It makes for a fun family, friend, date or group event just don't plan on them having anything for you. I will go again but I'll be sure to bring my own supplies. I'm sure that would make it a five star experience for me and just about...