NEWS

The Gladiator Polo™ $50,000 "Battle for the Carolinas," presented by Coca-Cola®, will crown its champion on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) at Tryon Resort in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Team Asheville, presented by Ingles Markets, emerged victorious in the "Battle for North Carolina" on September 9, while Team Greenville, presented by Greenville Turf and Tractor, dominated the "Battle for South Carolina" on September 16. Now, the two semi-finalists will go head-to-head for top bragging rights this Saturday in the final game of the season.

Spectators can anticipate the most exciting Gladiator Polo™ match to date, complete with a little sibling rivalry. Team Asheville, wearing purple, features team members *Patrick Uretz, *Costi Caset and Mariano Obregon. Mariano Obregon will play opposite his younger brother, *Geronimo Obregon, a member of Team Greenville along with Carlucho Arellano and Pelon Escapite, who will be dressed in black. Fans are encouraged to sport team colors to show support for Team Asheville or Team Greenville.

The evening kicks off at 6:00pm ET. with Tryon Resort's signature "Saturday Night Lights" activities featuring free pony rides, carousel rides, face painting, kids' Gladiator Games, entertainers and live music. General admission and parking at Tryon Resort are also free.

Be sure to grab a photo, a mini can of Coca-Cola®, and a major dose of cuteness at Coca-Cola® Mini Meet & Greet Photo Booth starring TIEC's miniature horse guests, Starsky and Hutch. While onsite, log in to the Tryon Resort Wi-Fi network for a chance to win prizes, with the winners announced at the end of the match.

Purchase tickets online to the authentic Argentine Asado buffet and sit right in front of the action on the Legends Club porch. All of Tryon Resort's onsite restaurants will also be open including Legends Grille, Roger's Diner, Blue Ginger Sushi and an all-you- can-eat Italian buffet at Campagna. Tickets for the Asado can be purchased by clicking here or at the door.

Gladiator Polo™ began in Wellington, Florida, during the winter of 2017. This re-envisioned version of polo quickly became a hit, bringing together equestrians and non-equestrians, and garnering a fan base of all ages. The inaugural match at TIEC on June 24 drew record crowds of more than 10,000 motivating Gladiator Polo™ Founder Mark Bellissimo to introduce a fall series at TIEC.

"Our goal with Gladiator Polo™ is to deliver high-energy equestrian competition to fans of action sports like hockey or football. For people who want to cheer on a team, be loud and get rowdy, Gladiator Polo™ fuels that atmosphere in a family-friendly environment. It's incredible to see horse sport embracing this competition style and we look forward to making Gladiator Polo™ a global phenomenon," said Bellissimo.

The "Battle for the Carolinas" is the final Gladiator Polo™ match of the 2017 season at TIEC, and the last opportunity for fans to see the sport played at TIEC until next year. The league is returning to Wellington, Florida, for the winter polo season beginning in January 2018.

Gladiator Polo™ players are equally excited about the energy Bellissimo is injecting into the sport. Pelon Escapite, a top scorer in Arena Polo this season, said he loves playing at TIEC. "It's like when you go to a good basketball or football game and the crowd gets so into it. They cheer for every goal. It's amazing."

On September 30, the George H. Morris Arena at TIEC will be a sea of purple and black as fans choose sides and cheer either Team Asheville or Team Greenville on to victory. There will be plenty of activities in between match chukkers, including a t-shirt toss, the Dance Cam, performances by the Gardner-Webb Cheerleaders, and a Mini-Themed Halftime Show. Be sure to come decked out in your state team's colors, and bring your cheering voices, as there can only be one champion!

General admission and parking to Gladiator Polo™ are free to the public and open to the public.

More Information:
For more information on Gladiator Polo™, please visit www.gladiatorpolo.com. To learn more about Tryon International Equestrian Center, please visit www.tryon.com.

Find game information and updates on major announcements regarding Gladiator Polo™ by following us on Facebook. Click here to view the official Gladiator Polo™ Facebook Page.