Photo Credit ©MegBanks/TIEC.

Team Greenville Surpasses Team Charlotte 6-5 to Capture Top Honors

Mill Spring, NC – June 24, 2017 – Welcoming a crowd of more than 10,000 fans and spectators, the first Gladiator Polo™ presented by Coca-Cola™ game held at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) exceeded all expectations. Hosting an enthusiastic and engaged crowd while simultaneously showcasing the rapidly expanding sport of arena polo, the match featured two teams of top international arena polo players. The game saw Team Greenville sponsored by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, top Team Charlotte sponsored by Circle K, 6-5 in a riveting six-chukker match.

The seating of George H. Morris Arena was filled to capacity with spectators, fans, and families eager to watch, learn, and participate in the high-paced and action-packed arena polo game, which brought together teams representing two of the major cities in close regional proximity to the venue, Charlotte, NC, and Greenville, SC. The event saw crowds begin to pour into the venue nearly two hours ahead of the scheduled start of the match, which began at 8:00 p.m. and continued on under the lights.

“Tonight was just unbelievable. It was something unique. I’ve never played in front of a crowd that big before,” said Mariano Obregon, who was a member of the winning Team Greenville. “Everyone was cheering so loud and it was just a great experience. I’m really hoping that we get to do it again.”

Each of the six players selected to participate in the inaugural match at TIEC have built impressive records and amassed top performances in the sport of arena polo, which has grasped tightly to a new, forward-thinking spin on field polo, helping to bring a fresh energy and flare for both players and fans.

“That crowd really gets you going. We were down by one or two the whole game and they lift you in those moments. You get into it and you put your heart into it to get the people behind you,” added teammate Carlucho Arellano. “It was just an incredible night.”

Gladiator Polo™ is a direct example of the creativity derived from Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners (TEP). Bellissimo realized early on after acquiring the International Polo Club Palm Beach with the Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP) in 2016 that a transformation was desperately needed for one of civilization’s oldest sports. He put forth the Gladiator Polo™ concept in Wellington, FL, a world-renowned hub for international and national polo players during the winter season, in early 2017 to gauge response and interest. The concept blossomed, giving players an entirely new platform to demonstrate their skills while reaching a broadened audience.

With a series of matches highlighting the Gladiator Polo™ season in Wellington, FL, Bellissimo announced the arrival of the sport at TIEC in early May, marking a substantial step forward in the effort to bring the game to a more expansive national and international audience.

“The community in this area has been so receptive and supportive to our concepts and events,” said Katherine Bellissimo, who also serves as a managing partner of TEP and oversees the marketing, communication, and sponsorship departments of the partnership. “Even when we first opened this facility and only hosted small grand prix classes on Sundays, we would still get a tremendous crowd. To see how that has expanded in only three years is truly incredible. We feel honored to experience such support and encouragement from this community, which has ultimately allowed us to grow and expand these sports to new heights.

“This game wouldn’t have been possible without the gracious support of our sponsors Coca-Cola™, Circle K, Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, and the U.S. Polo Association,” she continued.

The game marked the first display of the sport of polo at TIEC and the players were thrilled with the positive response and final result of the game. Arellano commented, “It means so much to win this game tonight. You never know what to expect and everything just exceeded expectations, but foremost the crowd. They just blew us away.”

“The ring size was different from what we played with in Wellington and I think it was really interesting for the crowd and for us as players,” added Obregon. “You’re further away from the goal, so it’s harder to get to, which makes the play really interesting. You have to really play with your teammates and it becomes a more open game. It makes it more fun for us and the play becomes much more dynamic.”

Veteran force Pelon Escapite wowed throughout the game, showcasing his distinctive play and tenacity in the arena. Escapite was the heartbeat of the match, amassing goals, assisting plays and exemplifying an exceptional sense of hustle and accuracy in each of the six chukkers.

“As a player that kind of atmosphere is unbelievable and it makes you want to give it your all on every play. When you’re playing you’re surrounded by people cheering for you and against you. It’s just a great environment. It was great for the families here and great for the sport,” said Escapite.

Escapite was a standout player during the Gladiator Polo™ series in Wellington and was eager to participate in the next installment of the game at TIEC. He added, “I think this type of game is really appealing to the spectators. You can be up against the boards and all around the arena. It’s right there in front of you and it’s close. It’s like having courtside seats for every game.”

“The last goal of the game was for anyone today. I called Nino [Obregon] off the ball and he honored that and I scored. It was team play until the end,” explained Escapite. “The way the management of this series has been and the way Mark [Bellissimo] is promoting and providing a platform for this sport is unbelievable. We had concerns about the turnout with the potential weather tonight, but you wouldn’t have known with the crowd that came. To bring that many people here, to the first game ever held in this arena, is just impeccable work from Mark [Bellissimo] and his team.”

For more information on Gladiator Polo™, please visit www.tryon.com or www.gladiatorpolo.com.

Team Spiculus player Pelon Escapite.

Wellington, FL – April 9, 2017 – Team Spiculus rode to a rugged win in the 2017 final of Gladiator Polo™ presented by U.S. Polo Assn. tournament Saturday night, defeating Team Spartacus 17-10. The seven-game series took place at the “Coliseum,” otherwise known as Equestrian Village, and began with four teams. Saturday’s game concluded the inaugural season.

The play of the day happened early in the game, when Sebastian Merlos launched the ball three-quarters the length of the arena for a 2-point goal. Merlos came through again for Spiculus with two 2-pointers in the third chukker. Felipe Viana, playing for Spartacus, also contributed three 2-pointers.

The Spiculus line-up of Merlos (9), Mariano Obregon (7) and Pelon Escapite (7) dominated play for most of the game. The score was tied at three going into the third chukker, but Spiculus promptly put an end to that and stormed ahead to an insurmountable 10-5 lead at halftime. The gap continued to widen systematically, with Spiculus leading 14-7 at the end of the fourth chukker and holding Spartacus scoreless. Merlos poured it on for two goals in the fifth, giving Spiculus a 9-goal lead.

Viana gave Spartacus a glimmer of hope in the final chukker, adding three points (one 2-pointer and a 1-pointer). Spiculus clearly would have none of that. They sewed up the 17-10 victory in the final chukker, courtesy of yet another goal by Merlos (9 points on the day).

Joining Viana (7) on the Spartacus line-up were Jason Crowder (7) and Tommy Biddle (10). They were among a group of last evening’s players who autographed complimentary Gladiator Polo T-shirts for spectators before the game.

“This has been a tremendous inaugural season for Gladiator Polo™,” said Mark Bellissimo, Managing Partner of International Equestrian Group (IEG), who organized and hosted the series. “We want to thank all the patrons, players and sponsors who generously supported the tournament and were so enthusiastic.” He added that Gladiator Polo™ will be back in Wellington for the full 12-week winter 2018 season.

“I am almost speechless,” said Missy Sullivan of Don Graves and Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Equisport Division, who sponsored Spiculus. “Mark Bellissimo, with his endless vision and what he has done for the sport, never ceases to amaze me.”

In the youth chukker played before the game and at halftime, children of the world’s top players competed for the junior teams of Spiculus (Poroto Cambiaso, Santos Merlos and Kristos Magrini) and Spartacus (Lucas Criado, Mackenzie Weisz and Benjamin Quiroga).

Polo fans can learn what all three players on the winning Team Spiculus had to say after the game in exclusive interviews for the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) by Juan Cruz Diaz de Céspedes at www.internationalpoloclub.com.

To learn more about Gladiator Polo™, please visit www.gladiatorpolo.com.

Wellington, FL – April 6, 2017 – The grand finale of the 2017 season’s hottest ticket, the $250,000 Gladiator Polo™ Final presented by U.S. Polo Assn. will take place this Saturday, April 8. The event is hosted at the “Coliseum,” otherwise known as the Equestrian Village of Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) at13500 Southshore Blvd., Wellington, Florida.

With each team ranked between 23 and 26 goals, this will be one of the top arena polo matches in history. Total prize money for the final is $50,000, to be divided between the two teams. To showcase a gladiator theme, teams are all named after top Roman Gladiators: Spartacus, Crixus, Priscus and Spiculus. Team Spartacus and Team Spiculus have earned the right to battle it out in the final match.

The seven-game series began February 26, and has seen huge success since its inception. The final game has a later starting time than the previous matches. Gates will open on Saturday at 7:00 p.m., and the match will begin promptly at 8:00 p.m. Players will appear at a Meet & Greet before the game to talk with spectators and sign autographs.

While general admission is free, an optional dining experience, spectators can watch the game while enjoying an authentic asado buffet. The view of the competition doesn’t get any better than from the dining tent, where spectators get an up-close-and-personal view of the action. Asado tickets are $40 a piece, and reserved tables for six with premium VIP seating are available for $500 per table. Click here to purchase tickets for the event!

Top-rated Gladiator Polo™ player Tommy Biddle (10) is a member of Team Spartacus. “For me Gladiator Polo is the second-best thing to representing my country,” he said. “This event is doing great things for the sport of arena polo.” His teammates are Felipe Viana (7) and Jason Crowder (7). Spartacus’ team sponsor is Carol Sollak and Engel & Völkers.

Playing for Team Spiculus are Sebastian Merlos (9), Pelon Escapite (7) and Mariano Obregon (7).

“Gladiator Polo™ just keeps getting better,” said Merlos after a recent win. “We understand the game more now, and there is more speed.” He praised Mark Bellissimo, Managing Partner of International Equestrian Group (IEG), who created and organized Gladiator Polo™. “Mark has done a great job. He is very serious about bringing polo to the people and making it fun,” added Merlos.

Gladiator Polo™ players wear colorful jerseys to make the action easy to follow. Team jerseys are crafted by sponsor Horseware® Ireland. Roman-attired gladiators walk around the venue, greeting guests and posing for photo opportunities. The evening offers an optional asado buffet for just $40 as well as an after-party open to all at the onsite “Lions’ Den,” with music by DJ Maximus, drinks and dancing. Polo players mingle and socialize with the partygoers. For more information, please visit www.gladiatorpolo.com.

Photo ©David Lominska/International Polo Club.

Wellington, FL – April 1, 2017 – In a sixth-chukker surge, Team Spartacus doubled their score and knocked Team Priscus out of the competition Friday, March 31, in round six of Gladiator Polo™ presented by U.S. Polo Assn. Gladiator Polo™ takes place at the “Coliseum,” otherwise known as the Equestrian Village of Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Team Spartacus’ win earned them a place in the Gladiator Polo™ League Final on Saturday, April 8. They will oppose Team Spiculus in the match.

With the game tied at nine going into the final chukker, Spartacus scored a stunning nine more goals to clinch the win 18-11. The 11th-hour victory was due in large part to three stunning 2-point goals by Spartacus (two of them by Tommy Biddle and the other by Felipe Viana). Biddle added another regular goal and teammate Jason Crowder contributed two, bringing their team’s game total to 18.

“It was a battle out there!” said Crowder, who credited the win to his teammates. Motioning to Biddle and Viana, he said, “They pulled it out with those 2-pointers and saved us.”

Viana received the MVP Award presented by the Triple Crown Group. He said he is “super-excited about the final,” adding, “We had won all our games but we still had to win tonight to get to there.”

Biddle, a legendary arena polo player who has competed all over the world, said, “For me Gladiator Polo™ is the second-best thing to representing my country. I am really excited to be part of the first final because this event is doing great things for the sport of arena polo.”

Spartacus’ sponsor, Carol Sollak of Engel & Völkers, said she was proud of her team. “They played amazing!” she said. “I’m very excited about the final. The boys are ready!”

Spartacus’ lineup was: Jason Crowder (7-goal arena handicap), Felipe Viana (7) and Tommy Biddle (10).

Nic Roldan (8) was high-scorer for Team Priscus, with seven goals. His teammates were Jeff Hall (8) and Facundo Obregon (7).

During halftime children of top international polo players competed in an exhibition chukker. Team Spartacus included Poroto Cambiaso, Fran Spinacci and Benja Quiroga. Santos Merlos, Kristos Magrini and Tobias Rey played for Team Priscus.

In the children’s chukker, Spartacus defeated Priscus 3-1. Magrini made the first goal. Then Cambiaso went on a scoring spree, with his last goal sealing the win for his team in the final 15 seconds of play.

Gates open at 7:00 p.m., and the game starts at 8:00 p.m. General admission is free. For more information, please visit www.gladiatorpolo.com.

Players from Team Spiculus and Team Crixus battle it out against the boards at the “Coliseum” at Equestrian Village. Photo ©David Lominska.

Wellington, FL – March 17, 2017 – Team Spiculus took a 15-11 win over Team Crixus in round five of $250,000 Gladiator Polo™ presented by the U.S. Polo Assn. on Thursday, March 16. This week’s $33,000 matchup between two titan teams was the highest-scoring match in the 7-game series. The event took place at the “Coliseum,” otherwise known as the Equestrian Village of Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), where Roman-attired gladiators roamed about the venue, greeting guests and offering photo opportunities.

International superstar player Sebastian Merlos (arena handicap 9) was high-scorer of the game with 7 goals. He led his team in a battle to the finish, with Spiculus seizing control in the third chukker and never looking back. Merlos earned the MVP Award presented by the Triple Crown Group.

“Gladiator Polo just keeps getting better,” said Merlos after the victory, which marked his third game in the series. “We understand the game more now, and there is more speed.” He praised Mark Bellissimo, Managing Partner of International Equestrian Group (IEG), who created and organized Gladiator Polo. “Mark has done a great job. He is very serious about bringing polo to the people and making it fun,” added Merlos.

In addition to Merlos, the Spiculus lineup included Pelon Escapite and Mariano Obregon. Crixus players were Santi Torres, Matias Magrini and Mike Azzaro. Crixus is sponsored by U.S. Trust Bank of America Private Wealth Management. Spiculus is sponsored by Don Graves and Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Equisport Division.

“We are delighted to support such an exciting sport,” said an elated Missy Sullivan of Don Graves and Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Equisport Division, after her team’s victory. “Anything to support polo and other equestrian sports in Wellington is great.”

As it stands now, three teams are still in contention for the Gladiator Polo™ League Championship and the inaugural “Gladiator Cup” to be presented to the winner of the April 8th Final. Team Spartacus is the only team that controls its destiny as they lead the league. If Team Spartacus wins on March 31st, they will go to the final and face Team Spiculus in the championship. If Spartacus loses there will be a three-way tie between Spartacus, Priscus, and Spiculus, who will all have records of 2-1, which will be determined by the tie breaking procedure.

Children of the world’s top polo players competed in a juniors’ match during halftime: Spiculus (Santos Melos, Kristos Magrini, Miguelito Novillo Astrada) took a 3-1 win over Crixus (Landi Daniels, Hope Arellano, Hunter Azzaro). Santos Merlos is the son of Sebastian Merlos, who watched proudly from the sidelines.

“I have four children, and they all love horses. To watch Santos play means so much to me. I kind of melt,” said an emotional Sebastian Merlos.

Spectators who purchased VIP tickets for the American-style Barbecue buffet, watched ringside from close-to-the-action tables in the main VIP Pavilion. A lively and packed after-party in the “Lion’s Den,” open to all, featured dancing to tunes spun by DJ Maximus.

The next game takes place Friday, March 31, and the final is Saturday evening, April 8. General admission is free. For more information, please visit www.gladiatorpolo.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Darlene Ricker
Media Relations
International Polo Club Palm Beach
dricker@internationalpoloclub.com
(310) 210-4004