World renowned athletes play at Bethpage State Park
Known colloquially as “The Sport of Kings,” polo has been brought to Bethpage State Park for the eighth year of Bethpage Polo at the Park. The events, which this season take place every Sunday through Oct. 14, bring athletes from around the world to compete on the park’s 10-football-fields-sized polo fields in some of the highest levels of polo competitions played in the U.S.
Each Sunday, the gates open at 2 p.m. and an hour later the horses and players take the field in a fast-paced match just feet from where dozens of fans lounge to spectate.
Cup tournaments, special event days, half-time entertainment and special activities sprinkled around the field are just a few of the additional measures Meadowbrook Polo Club, the event host, takes to ensure that guests both old and new to the sport can enjoy a family-friendly afternoon at the polo fields.
“To a fan who comes and watches for the first time, especially for a good match with talented players, the people love it,” said Robert Ceparano, Bethpage Polo at the Park President. “It’s exhilarating no matter how you look at it.”
Since taking on Polo at the Park, Ceparano, who also owns the Medford polo and riding facility Country Farms Equestrian Center, has transformed Bethpage State Park’s polo fields into a top-of-the-line space that has attracted some of the best polo players to play in the Sunday matches.
Growing up around horses, the polo enthusiast seeks to inspire young children to find their own love for horses. Whether that inspiration comes from what he offers at Country Farms or from coming with family to watch a match at Polo in the Park, Ceparano wishes for both experiences to be enlightening and entertaining. Most importantly, he hopes for folks to realize that being involved in the world of horses is not “elitist,” but rather it is a hobby open for all to enjoy.
“Everybody that I talk to, everybody says that they had a great, fun, family afternoon,” Ceparano said. “And that’s our theme.”
Polo in the Park tickets are $10 for general adult admission. There is no fee for children under 12 and retired military, and tickets are half-price for seniors, active military and students. A $75 VIP ticket includes an open bar, food and a live music after party.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.bethpagepolo.com or call 516-500-7656. Note that schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions.
