Colorado is the place for winter polo with two key events hosted in the state this season. The 10th annual St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship happened in downtown Aspen’s Rio Grande Park on Dec. 20-21, and The Broadmoor 2023 Winter Polo Classic takes place on Feb. 25, bringing polo back to the Pikes Peak Region of Colorado for the first time since the late 1930s. Both events are a unique opportunity for groups to see winter polo in action and to mix and mingle with a star-studded cast of players and attendees.
For the upcoming event in Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor and Colorado Springs Sports Corporation have joined forces to create The Broadmoor 2023 Winter Polo Classic, which will be hosted at the Norris Penrose Event Center and feature ring polo players from around the country. Treat your team or clients to a truly special outing with the resort’s Winter Polo Package that includes accommodations for two nights; tickets and priority seating for the Winter Polo Classic that happens from 2:30–4:30 p.m.; transportation to and from the polo grounds; and a commemorative welcome amenity.
Add to the experience by booking winter equestrian adventures with local outfitters, including horseback rides that deliver beautiful mountain and city views.
What to Expect
The Broadmoor 2023 Winter Polo Classic will adhere to most of the traditional polo regulations apart from the tournament taking place in a dirt arena instead of a grass field. As is typical for arena polo, teams will be comprised of three players and play will consist of four seven-minute chukkers (periods).
In the event of snow, the tournament will follow snow polo regulations. The polo ponies will be shod with cleated shoes for better traction, and a larger and lighter bright-red ball is used to better accommodate winter conditions. If snow is scarce, the horses will be shod for arena dirt, and a traditional white ball used for play.
Colorado & Broadmoor Polo History
Polo has been a sport of interest and glamour in Colorado since the 1890s. The Broadmoor’s founder, Spencer Penrose, was an active player in the polo community and was among the first individuals to bring polo to the Centennial State.
Opened in 1891, The Broadmoor became a premier polo center when Penrose installed four polo fields and stables for over 400 horses on the resort’s expansive property. He also groomed a Broadmoor gentlemen’s polo team and sent the team to national competitions, and local enthusiasts organized The Broadmoor Polo Association along with The Penrose Polo Park.
Interest in polo began to wane in the 1930s due to the Depression and declined even more during World War II. The Broadmoor polo auditorium was eventually converted into an indoor ice arena for figure skating, which also experienced great success over the years.
Today, there are three registered polo clubs in Colorado: Denver Polo Club, Aspen Valley Polo Club, and Colorado State University Polo Club.
