Discovering Polo in Aiken: A Sport for Everyone
Welcome to Aiken, a charming city where the Sport of Kings is taking on a whole new vibe! At the heart of it all is the Aiken Polo Club, and its manager, Tiger Kneece, is dedicated to changing the way people see polo. “It’s come a long way. People once thought of the sport as super-elite, and that hurt the sport for years,” Kneece shares with a friendly smile. His goal? Making polo accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The History of Polo in Aiken
Polo made its debut in Aiken back in 1882, just six years after the game was introduced to the U.S. Ever since, it has been intertwined with the city’s Winter Colony society, attracting some of the best players from around the globe. By the time World War II rolled around, Aiken was bustling as America’s polo hub during the winter months. Kneece reminisces, “Back then, wealthy New Yorkers came here to escape the harsh months of the North and brought polo with them. The horses came down on trains, were unloaded in downtown Aiken, and then walked over to the barns.”
Why is Aiken so suitable for polo? “We have mild spring and fall seasons,” Kneece explains. “You can do things outside year-round here, especially with our sandy soil. It absorbs water well, so if we get two inches of rain, we can still play the next day. In some areas, rain can mean waiting for a whole week!” Aiken Polo Club boasts five fields right in downtown Aiken, making it a convenient spot for both locals and visitors to catch all the action.
Making Polo an Enjoyable Experience for All
Throughout the spring and fall, the Aiken Polo Club hosts back-to-back games on eight consecutive Sundays. These games welcome international and national riders who bring their horses along. And guess what? The public is invited too! With general admission priced at just $5, families can come and enjoy a thrilling polo match without breaking the bank. For those who want to elevate their experience, there are tailored options like fieldside parking for $50 or access to the Alan Corey Pavilion for $75, which includes delicious catering and an open bar.
Kneece describes the atmosphere at the polo fields as a big party. “For general admission, bring your cooler and chairs, and set up to watch the matches. And with tailgating, many attendees set up tents and bring food to share. It turns into a festive gathering!”
Life at the Aiken Polo Club
As general manager, Kneece has his hands full during the season, juggling events, tournaments, and educational programs. With numerous practice games happening at once, he ensures everything runs smoothly. “To pull off a game involves your field and setup crew. Each match can feature up to eight players, and each player typically brings five or six horses,” he explains. “Not to mention, we need paramedics, umpires, and flaggers on site. There are a lot of moving parts!”
This hectic yet exciting role is a dream for Kneece, who grew up in the sport. His father played at the Aiken Polo Club, and Kneece himself has played professionally, securing victories in major North American tournaments. He even led the Aiken Youth Polo girls’ high school team to a national championship!
Investing in the Future of Polo
The Aiken Polo Club is also committed to educating newcomers about polo through initiatives like Aiken Youth Polo (AYP). They offer clinics for kids and host youth teams, while the Aiken Polo Club Academy caters to adults looking for a fun way to try something new. “If someone comes out and says, ‘Gosh! I want to give this a try!’ we set up lessons with our polo school,” Kneece explains enthusiastically.
For Aiken, polo is more than a sport; it’s a community event. Kneece encourages families from nearby cities like Augusta and Columbia to come out and experience it for themselves. “We want people to enjoy a game and maybe even sponsor a team to promote their business. It’s not just fun; it’s a fantastic way to connect with others.”
The Polo Calendar Awaits
As the polo season begins to kick off, Aiken Polo Club has an exciting calendar lined up. From the USPA Governor’s Cup to various women’s challenges, there’s no shortage of action. With general admission priced affordably, it’s the perfect chance for families to spend time together in the great outdoors. “Kids love it here,” Kneece adds. “They can run around, play with footballs and frisbees during halftime, taking full advantage of the beautiful space we have.”
If you haven’t yet experienced the thrill of polo in Aiken, there’s no better time than now! With its vibrant atmosphere, affordable admission, and community spirit, every game promises a memorable day out for families and friends alike.
