NEWS

Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, North Carolina, has announced team rosters for the highly-anticipated Saturday, August 3, Gladiator Polo™ rematch between Team Greenville and Team Charlotte in Tryon Stadium, inviting fans of the fast-paced sport to pick their teams and cheer them on to victory. Free fun for all ages will kick off at 6:00pm ET, including pony rides, carousel rides, magicians and entertainers, face painting, live music and more. The epic rematch between Team Greenville in black and Team Charlotte in teal will commence at 8:00pm ET, but not before a special Ninja Polo™ showcase under the lights.

Returning to Team Greenville to defend last year’s title, Jared Sheldon* is joined in 2019 by Matt Coppola* and Felipe Viana*, combining for an experienced and competitive arena polo team. Sheldon, a Team USPA member, is a 2018 winner of the “Battle for the Carolinas” series at TIEC, as well as the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship®, while Team USPA member Coppola was a finalist in two of three GAUNTLET OF POLO™ Finals at International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida) in the 2018-2019 season. The trio of Gladiators in black is completed by Team USPA member Viana, winner of the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship® and Men’s National Intercollegiate Championships in 2011 and 2012.

Team Charlotte is built to challenge its South Carolina opponent. Team USPA member Patrick Uretz*, who holds the “Battle for the Carolinas” title from 2017 and was a two-time Men’s National Intercollegiate Champion, heads a formidable Team Charlotte alongside teammates in teal, Mike Azzaro and Trevor Niznik. Azzaro, Polo Hall of Famer, brings his experience as a former 10-goal player and eight-time winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, while Niznik is a 2017 finalist of the President’s Cup and a 2018 finalist of the Texas Open.

Fans can enjoy a premier competition dining experience from the Legends Club and Sky Deck, featuring an authentic Argentine Asado buffet and a beer festival with unlimited four-ounce pours of local craft brews. This covered dining experience offers the best seats in the house and is perfect for large groups, couples and families alike. All-inclusive Asado and beer festival tickets are available here. Following the match, don’t miss out on the karaoke after-party at the Silo Bar!

Both teams will collaborate the week prior to the Gladiator Polo™ match as instructors at the first-ever Ninja Polo™ Camp at TIEC proudly supported by the Polo Training Foundation, which will offer an immersive and hands-on educational experience for kids aged 11-18. Campers will learn from some of the world's best professional high-goal arena players for an experience that can’t be found anywhere else. Coaching staff is headed by Gates Gridley, USPA Certified Polo Instructor and lead instructor at the Polo School at International Polo Club Palm Beach. The camp offers Beginner through Advanced instruction and no polo experience is required, though participants must be able to walk, trot and canter consistently. School horses are available or campers can bring their own mount, and onsite lodging is available. Click here to learn more about Ninja Polo™ Camp at TIEC proudly supported by Polo Training Foundation!

*Matt Coppola and Felipe Viana are members of Team USPA. Patrick Uretz and Jared Sheldon are Team USPA alumni. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.