Gladiator Polo proves popular
Last month’s inaugural Gladiator Polo match had thousands of attendees and apparently organizers are riding the momentum.
They’ve added six more games, secured more than 45 sponsors and created four teams that will be competing for $250,000 in prize money.
The title sponsor of the first season is the U.S. Polo Association, whose CEO, Brian Cummings, called the sport “hockey on horseback” in a news release announcing the expanded schedule.
Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Wellington Equestrian Partners and the creator of Gladiator Polo, planned to ease people into the sport this year with three events, but with the success of the first night, he’s adding a six-game Matt Morgan tournament starting Thursday.
The next games after this week will be Feb. 23, March 9, March 16 and March 30, with the final on April 8. All games will be at Equestrian Village with gates opening at 6 p.m. and the polo starting at 7. The four teams are named after Roman gladiators — Spartacus, Crixus, Priscus and Spiculus.
“In order to create a true professional sport, you need to create personalities for athletes, spectator enthusiasm and strong sponsor support, as well as media interest,” Bellissimo said. “That is the only formula for longterm success in sport.”
Bellissimo hopes this faster version of the game on a smaller field will bring more people into equestrian sports either as riders or just fans.
But he’s not stopping there.
The equestrian developer also announced that he will be launching a “Get Into Polo” initiative in the fall that will allow new riders to learn on simulators and in the International Polo Club Academy.
Another move will be to start amateur arena leagues in Wellington and Bellissimo’s other properties in Tryon, N.C., and Parker, Colo. He plans leagues for children, adults, colleges and women at all locations.
So what does this all mean for next year?
Bellissimo still plans to move the league over to the International Polo Club with 12 weeks and eight teams. He envisions a league with team owners, a prize draft and prize money of more than $500,000.