Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge Kicks Off in the Hamptons

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Jul 20th 2009 at 6:01PM

This past weekend saw opening day of the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field in the Hamptons, the start of another great season of world class equestrianism. The sport's greatest athletes will once again compete for one of polo's most treasured prizes, watched by the East End's most high-profile and influential audience of VIPs, celebrities and media. The VIP tent will host an invitation-only cocktail reception for exclusive guests each Saturday afternoon during the tournament. Season partners include Mercedes-Benz, Piaget, Blue Star Jets, Coca-Cola, Stoli Elit, Riva Yachts, and OPTYX by gruen. A portion of proceeds from the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge will go to South Fork Breast Cancer Coalition. Polo Ralph Lauren will return this summer as the exclusive apparel retailer with an onsite shop at the polo matches held at Bridgehampton's Two Trees Farm.

Evocative of the spirit and heritage of Polo, the shop will feature Ralph Lauren's Black Watch collection and The World of Polo Fragrance. Spectators visiting the Ralph Lauren shop will have a great view of the polo matches and be able to enter to win a polo lesson with Black Watch team member Nacho Figueras. The season will continue for six consecutive Saturdays, ending August 22nd. Anyone can watch from the stands, but the invitation-only V.I.P. tent is the real scene. Celebs in attendance on opening day included Victoria's Secret model Anne V., Beth Ostrosky, Gossip Girl's Chace Crawford and Star Jones. Past years' VIPs have included Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Hurley, Heather Graham, Howard Stern, Jared Leto, Jay Z, Jessica Alba, Mischa Barton, Natalie Portman and Prince Albert of Monaco, to name a few.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Bridgehampton Polo