On Saturday, June 25, 2016, Piocho Ranch at Happy Canyon Vineyard in Santa Ynez will host the 5th Annual Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic, benefiting Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People (PHP). The event will include two matches and four teams featuring several of the highest rated players in the world as well as local Santa Ynez Valley polo celebrities.
The Barrack Family, owners of Piocho Ranch, have played in previous Polo Classics and decided last year to increase their involvement in the event and investment in People Helping People. According to T.J. Barrack, the event had grown so much during its first four years we could see said that the Polo Classic was bursting at the seams. Barrack said that, “we have a larger facility at our ranch in Happy Canyon and so it was a logical step for our family to host the event and become the presenting sponsor. This event has been so much fun to play in that we are happy and proud to host and present such a wonderful event. We are thrilled to support the great efforts of People Helping People in this way and embrace the expanded opportunity to promote the sport our whole family loves.”
Dean Palius, Chief Executive of PHP, said that the organization is excited to conduct the Polo Classic at Piocho Ranch. “This provides us with a beautiful canyon backdrop for the matches, the space to have onsite parking, and the capability to expand our guest venues and number of attendees. This year we will be able to offer shaded and unobstructed views for our general admission guests as well as a new moderate cost “Club” alternative with tented seating, lunch, and libations. In addition, general admission guests will be able to access on-site food and dessert trucks as well as beer, wine, and soft drinks.”
Joel Baker, former host of the Polo Classic, is once again recruiting teams and players for the event. There will be a preliminary match prior to lunch and a featured match to begin at 1:30 PM. Baker said that the feature match will present high goal professionals playing on a smaller field to promote close-up and personal viewing for spectators. Last year’s matches starred a current polo hall of famer, Memo Gracida, and three members of the U.S.A. Polo Team from the World Championship, played in Santiago, Chile. “You won’t find more exciting polo played anywhere in the U.S.,” added Baker.
According to Nancy Hunsicker, PHP Board Member and Polo Classic Chair, the success of the Polo Classic is due to the collaborative efforts of local community leaders, dedicated volunteers, and generous corporate and small business partners. Hunsicker said, “(I)t is a pleasure to work with so many passionate volunteers and community leaders to put on a family friendly world class equestrian event which supports a great organization that benefits those in need within our own Santa Ynez Valley community. That said, as PHP serves more local residents each year, there is a need to expand our event. We hope that even more folks will attend or volunteer and that additional businesses will step up as sponsors or donors to help.”
VIP, Patron, Club, and General Admission tickets for the 2016 Classic on Saturday June 25th are available online via www.syvphp.org/events/poloclassic. This year, any of these tickets can be purchased with bus transportation from stops within the Santa Ynez Valley, Westlake and Santa Barbara. Prices for transportation are posted on the ticketing website and vary by point of embarkation.
VIP tickets which include parking and shuttle service, a champagne and appetizer reception with live music, comfortable tented seating, catered gourmet lunch, and a hat contest remain at $250 each. Patron levels which include VIP polo tickets and benefits, private Friday evening “Meet the Players” Cocktail Party & Reception, tickets to additional PHP events, PHP service sponsorships, and polo acknowledgement program mention are also available. Contact Erica at erica@syvphp.org for pricing and availability.
Club seating, available for purchase by the public, is sponsored by Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company and includes tented on field seating, nearby parking, lunch, and limited beer and wine. Additional beer, wine and sparkling wine will be available for purchase.
General admission tickets are only $15 each and $5 for children under 12 and include nearby parking and shaded stadium style seating close to the action. Food and beverages, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase. Sparkling wine, a silent auction, and dessert food choices will also be offered.
Tickets, volunteer opportunities, and more information are available online at www.syvphp.org/events/poloclassic or by calling Erica at 686-0295. VIP reception begins at 10:30 AM, General Admission and Club Seating open at 11:00 AM; preliminary match begins at 11:15 AM with the feature match at 1:30 PM. Piocho Ranch is located at 1100 Secretariat Drive off of Happy Canyon Road in Santa Ynez, CA.
People Helping People is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of men, women and children in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos and surrounding areas by addressing emergency and basic needs and furnishing comprehensive integrated family and individual support services. To learn more about PHP, its programs, and ways that you can help, please visit the PHP web site at www.syvphp.org or call 686-0295.