The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships turns 15 this fall, and founder Jason Rose says the anniversary calls for something bigger.
“It’s our 15th anniversary, so it’s a milestone we’re both celebrating and very proud of,” he said of the event on Saturday, Nov. 7, at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road.
“Because it’s such a landmark year, we’ve added some really fun new stuff to the day and the night.”
That expansion touches nearly every corner of the event. The day will now open with a nationally ranked rugby match between the Scottsdale Blues Rugby Team and the San Diego Old Aztecs — the first rugby game held at the Polo Party.
Guests will also find a greatly expanded Arizona wine‑tasting experience, a new sports bar and cigar lounge from Million Dollar Mingle, and a Western Pleasure competition in partnership with the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.
“It really shows the beauty of those horses,” Rose said.
Music is getting a major upgrade, too. Electronic duo Phantoms will headline the DJ lineup, marking the first time the nationally touring act has played the event.
After the final match, Walter Productions will roll out Kalliope, its massive mobile sound stage, known for Burning Man, an annual nine-day art and community gathering held in the Black Rock Desert of northwestern Nevada. The stage will house a full-sunset concert.
“Walter Productions is proud to be part of the 15th annual Polo Championships,” said Kirk Strawn of Walter Productions in a statement.
“As always, the event brings some of the most eclectic and innovative cultural contributions to our Valley.”
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Polo remains the centerpiece. England’s Select team returns as defending champions after a decisive win last year. Two professionals anchor the roster, and the team is captained by Ricky Cooper — a longtime participant who first discovered the event by accident.
“He couldn’t believe what he was witnessing,” Rose said.
“We’ve been great friends ever since. With the exception of two COVID years, Ricky has participated in our event, both as captain of the Wales polo team and this year as the captain of the England Select team. He’s played with King Charles and Prince Harry.”
This year’s matchups include England Select vs. Dark Horse Dallas, Arizona Polo Club vs. New Orleans, and the second Army vs. Navy game.
“The reception was fantastic, especially from the veterans community,” Rose said.
Fashion remains a signature draw, with Phoenix Fashion Week’s “World’s Longest Catwalk,” Lugari Pet Salon’s Canine Couture dog show, and a new Cowgirl Couture runway from Moo Country, a first‑time participant from Tennessee.
“We have a second fashion show being done called How the West Was Worn,” Rose said. “Super excited about all of that.”
Food and drink will be plentiful. Maple & Ash caters the Prime tent at midfield, while M Culinary — known for feeding crowds at the Phoenix Open’s 16th hole — handles the rest of the grounds. A mix of food trucks rounds out the options.
“People need to eat because it is, as we like to say, the top‑selling champagne event in the state of Arizona,” Rose said. “There are a lot of bubbles that get poured at this event.”
For Rose, the anniversary is less about scale and more about identity.
He credits long‑time partners like Barrett‑Jackson, Neiman Marcus Scottsdale, Bentley Scottsdale, Sanderson Lincoln and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show for helping shape the event.
“It’s a very accessible event. It’s both exclusive and affordable,” he said. “We made a strategic decision from day one that whether you’re gay or straight, Black or white, rich or poor, young or old, this is an event for you.”
