Oak Brook Polo Hosts Cecil Smith Cup

The Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse polo team returns to Oak Brook for the second year to defend its title for the revitalized Cecil Smith Cupon Sunday, August 18that 3:00 p.m. at the Prince of Wales Field (2606 York Road) in Oak Brook. Prior to and during the six chukker match, Oak Brook Polo will host its inaugural “Sips & Saddles Wine Festival” presented by The Wine Cellar Group. As many as twenty white and red wines from around the world will be represented and can be sampled in the event’s field-side wine garden.

Last year, Gibson’s defeated Oak Brook 10-9 to claim the Butler Challenge Cup. Led by Chris Vangel (Hcap 1), the match was considered one of the best of the 2018 Season. This year, Vangel leads another team of all-stars including Matias Obregon (Hcap 4), Lindor Novillo Corvalan (Hcap 4) and Miguel Gutierrez (Hcap 3). Oak Brook is led by team patron and captain Jim Drury (Hcap 0) and includes Horacio Onetto (Hcap 4), Tomas “Toto” Obregon (Hcap 4) and Mariano Gutierrez (Hcap 4).

Cecl Smith, knowns as the greatest American polo player in history, played for Oak Brook Polo Club founder, Paul Butler, and the Oak Brook Polo Team, helping them clinch their first U.S. Open Polo Championship® in 1960. He had also played in the famous East West Series in 1933 at Onwentsia Polo Club. Smith carried a 10-goal rating from 1938 to 1962 and is still the only American to have held the longest 10-goal status. Butler National Golf Club's driving range, Oak Brook’s original destination for polo, is named after the legendary player (Cecil Smith Field).

In addition to the match and wine festival, the afternoon will be filled with many festivities, including a pre-event J Vineyard & Winery Sabrage Experience ($100 per person) beginning at 11:30 AM in the Saddle Club & Polo Lounge. This is an opportunity to learn the story of J Vineyard & Winery and history of the art of Sabrage, then each person will “saber” their own bottle. This includes access to the wine tasting garden.

The match welcomes charity partner, Oak Brook Historical Society (www.oakbrookhistory.org). Established in 1975, the Historical Society serves as a community advocate for the historic preservation of the Village of Oak Brook and to be a resource for research and preservation of the Village’s history. Guests will have the opportunity to donate directly or take part in a series of raffles for luxury prizes.

As with each match, guests can take part in the J Vineyard & Winery halftime “Divot Stomp,” Better Chicago’s “Best Hat Contest” or visit Burning Bush Millinery to purchase a headpiece. Tailgaters are welcome to decorate their spot and compete for Heineken’s “Best Tailgate” to be awarded at the end of the polo match.

The national anthem will be sung by the a cappella chorus, the Arlingtonesfrom the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.

2019 marks Oak Brook Polo Club's 97th season as one of the nation's oldest polo clubs in operation today and fourth oldest sports property in Chicago. Once considered the “polo capital” of the world Oak Brook was thedestination for American Polo players and enthusiasts.

A variety of ticket options are available for Sunday’s match: $12.00 per person for lawn seating; $60.00 - $75.00 per car for tailgating; $50.00 VIP (includes elevated field-site seating in Saddle Club and champagne during divot stomp); $108.00 Brunch (includes VIP and Saddle Club access); $350 Saddle Club Reserved Tables (seating for up to 8); $450 Players’ Lounge (seating for up to 8); $675.00 Private Field Side Tent (for up to 20).

Admission to “Sips & Saddles Wine Festival” is $45.00 per person ($35.00 for designated driver) or $25.00 for match ticketholders who want to upgrade to the wine tasting. For VIP access to both the Saddle Club and wine tasting is $75.00. All festival ticketholders must be 21 years of age and will receive Drake Oak Brook Hotel free parking shuttle service, and access to food trucks, polo match and merchandise areas.

For general information, event scheduling, tickets and parking directions, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com or call 630.368.5095.