Cowdray Park Polo Club: Hospitality

HOSPITALITY

WELCOME TO THE HOME OF BRITISH POLO

On behalf of everyone at Cowdray Park Polo Club, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup 2024.

This handbook will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit, however you can find further information on The Gold Cup and our Grounds at cowdraypolo.co.uk. Whether this is your first polo tournament, or you are a regular visitor at Cowdray Park, I hope you enjoy your day.

John Bunn Chairman of Cowdray Park Polo Club

BEFORE YOU VISIT

SEMI FINAL

9.30am Gates open / Pearson and Brooks ready

11am Welcome drinks and canapes

12pm Semi-Final 1

1pm Lunch served

4pm Semi-Final 2

5pm / Prize giving 5.30pm (subject to change)

7pm Pearson and Brooks enclosure closure

TIMINGS

FINAL

9.30am Gates open / Pearson ready

11am Welcome drinks and canapes

1pm Lunch served 3pm Final

5pm / Prize giving 5.30pm (subject to change)

7pm Pearson Pagoda closure

DRESS CODE

The dress code is smart casual in all hospitality areas. Attendees will be most comfortable dressed for a blend of comfort, elegance and a touch of summer flair.

Visit the Cowdray Park Polo Club online shop to beat the crowds and get your hands on our exclusive polo apparel: cowdraypoloshop.co.uk

FOR WOMEN

» Light summer dresses: Opt for light summer dresses in bohemian prints, soft florals, or bold jewel colours. The length is up to the individual, though we recommend factoring in sitting, cheering, dancing, and plenty of divot stomping!

» Jumpsuits and trousers: Jumpsuits, skirts and trousers are also a suitable choice. If you opt for trousers, light and loose will offer the most comfort for a busy day at the polo.

» Hats: Hats are optional, and fascinators rarely seen. Keep the sun out of your eyes with a lightweight straw trilby or classic black sunglasses depending on your personal style.

» Footwear: Leave the stilettos behind, you will be spending your day on grass where seasoned polo spectators prefer to tread the divots in wedges, plimsoles, espadrilles and sandals.

FOR MEN

» Linen suits and lightcoloured blazers: Lightweight and breathable jackets are perfect for summer polo.

» No tie required: While ties are a classic choice, don’t hesitate to go without and add a dash of colour with a pastel shirt or playful print.

» Trousers: Denim is perfectly acceptable with a smart shirt or blazer; cotton chinos are also a popular choice.

» Hats: Traditionally, men wear Panama hats to shield from the sun. It’s a stylish option, but a hat is not essential, and a trusted pair of sunglasses will do just as well.

TICKETS

» Your general entry ticket will be scanned at the gates on entry to the iconic Lawns Polo Grounds. Your swing tag and car hanger (where applicable) grant you access to your enclosure and designated parking area. We politely request that you do not share images of your tickets prior to the event to prevent misuse or fraud.

» On arrival, please ensure your car hanger is clearly visible to allow our parking attendants to direct you to the correct gate and car park. Present your general entry ticket to our attendants for entry to the Lawns Grounds.

» We request that you present your hospitality swing badge to our security team when entering your enclosure throughout the day to preserve your exclusive access.

» The Lawns Enclosure and Grandstand are not included in enclosure hospitality packages. Tickets are available to add to your package ahead of the event or on the day subject to availability. Please ask a member of staff to purchase or visit cowdraypolo.co.uk/hospitality .

TICKET

CONDITIONS

Tickets are issued subject to the Terms and Conditions of Sale. Please pay particular attention to clauses:

Use of Tickets, Refunds, Curtailment of Play, Liability and Force Majeure. Tickets can only be scanned once. Do not buy tickets from touts or other unauthorised agents; they will not gain you entry to the Lawns Polo Grounds. Your ticket is valid for the date shown. Match times are subject to change on the day, with prior notice of such changes given where possible.

WHAT TO BRING

Whilst your enclosure provides shelter from the elements, we encourage you to explore the entire site during your time at The British Polo Open Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup, and as such recommend you bring sun hats and long sleeves for high temperatures or umbrellas and waterproof clothing should the Great British forecast look less pleasant.

The following items are prohibited * :

» Flares / fireworks

» BBQs

Please familiarise yourself with the list of items that aren’t allowed inside the Lawns Grounds.

» Lenses over 300mm

» Personal protection alarms or sprays

» Ambush marketing

» Political slogans

» Rattles or klaxons

» Illegal substances

» Chains and padlocks

» Chalk dust or powder substances

» Large flags over 60cm by 60cm

* people found in possession of these items will have them confiscated and may be escorted off-site by club officials.

» Please note, all political statements, symbols, images, insignia or emblems are prohibited from the Lawns Grounds.

RULES

Polo is a dynamic and exciting team game. One of the oldest known sports in the world, it is thought to have originated in Persia over 2000 years ago.

The game as we know it today was codified and developed in India in the 1800s, where British soldiers who were stationed there saw the game being played locally and adapted it for their own uses, often using it as training for cavalry riders.

The object of Polo is for a team to score more goals than its opposition to win the game. Each team of four is made up of attackers and defenders, but all members of a polo team are expected to be flexible and make any play whether offensive or defensive and change position as necessary to benefit the team.

For a brief overview of the rules to get you started, please visit our ‘Guide to Polo’:

cowdraypolo.co.uk/guide-to-polo

DOGS

Dogs on leads are permitted throughout the Lawns Polo Grounds, and into enclosures. We respectfully request that dogs always remain on lead for the safety of spectators, players, and ponies.

FAMILIES

A day at Cowdray Park is an exciting and memorable experience for everyone and we welcome children of all ages into the Lawns Polo Grounds.

» Pick up a copy of ‘Explore The Gold Cup’, an illustrated map and activity booklet to keep the whole family entertained as you explore the grounds. Available from Information Points and all site entrances.

» Visit the luxury retail village, vintage fairground rides, and enjoy ice-cream and churros from our food court. Families are welcome to bring food and beverages for children into their enclosures. We regret that we do not have heating facilities for infant milk and toddler meals however hot water can be provided on request, please ask your host.

» Wristbands are available at all entrances and information points to provide your child with a contact number for staff should you become separated.

» Head to the retail village and test your skills in a range of exciting interactive partner activations or relax and watch the polo on the big screen.

» Please note: - children under thirteen do not require a ticket however will not be catered for at lunch unless by prior arrangement with your host.

» Children must always be accompanied by an adult. Please ensure your family remain outside the safety zones around the pitch.

» We are unable to provide highchairs within the enclosures, however guests are permitted to bring their own.

TRAVEL

The Cowdray Gold Cup is held at our Lawns Polo Grounds in the centre of Easebourne, Midhurst. For the most common ways to reach us, please follow the directions below. If you need to arrange heli travel and landings, please contact the polo club on 01730 813257 .

BY CAR

Our postcode is GU29 0AJ. We are located just off the A272 in Easebourne. Please display your car hanger clearly to allow our staff to direct you to the appropriate gate.

TRAIN

The nearest train stations are Haslemere (15 mins) if coming from London Waterloo and Pulborough (23 mins) if coming from London Victoria. Taxis from either station will be able to drop you at the gate on arrival. Please ask your driver to display your car hanger to assist our staff in directing you to the correct gate.

1

Members’ Only Grandstand

Private Enclosures

Pearson Private Pagodas

Lawns Enclosure

Brooks Enclosure

Members’ Enclosure

Gazebo Picnic Area

Public Picnic Area

Horseboxes and Players’ Parking

Centenary Front Row Parking

Pearson Pagodas and Brooks Enclosure

Members’ Parking

Ruins Front Row Parking

Members’ Parking

Members’ Overflow Parking

Public Parking

Disabled Parking First Aid Toilets

Information Point

Pearson Private Pagodas

Lawns Enclosure

Grandstand

Members’ Enclosure

Private Enclosure

Public Picnic Areas: F, G, H, I, J

Public Gazebo Areas: K, L, M, N

Horseboxes and Grooms’ Parking

Players’ Front Row Parking

Players’, Press and Disabled Parking

Pearson Pagodas

Members’ and VIP Parking and Pearson guests

Non-viewing Reserved Gazebo Enclosure

Trade, Staff and Contractors’ Parking

Coach Parking

Public Parking

Disabled Parking Enclosure

Jubilee Pagodas

John Cowdray Enclosure

First Aid

ACCESSIBILITY

Our staff are on hand at the gates and information points to assist wherever necessary during your time with us.

» We have access to golf buggies to assist you in traversing the site, please ask a host if required.

» Disabled parking is available to blue badge holders, though for the purposes of hospitality your allocated parking will be closer to your enclosure.

» We have provided accessible toilet facilities around the site for your convenience.

» While every effort is made to accommodate all guests, please be aware that the event takes place on grass, and as such some mobility aids may not be suitable. Please contact us if you require additional assistance and wish to discuss how we can make your visit most comfortable on 01730 813257 .

HEALTH & SAFETY

We very much hope that you will enjoy your day at Cowdray Park Polo Club, where accidents are very rare BUT polo is a dangerous sport.

Neither CPPC nor the Cowdray Estate can accept any responsibility for injuries to persons or property on this ground. The following safety rules must be observed:

» Please ensure that you watch the movement of the ball during play at all times and keep yourselves, friends, family and dogs out of the safety zone area.

» Please ensure you supervise your children who will not be as diligent as you.

» Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.

» All guest access to the pony lines, lorry parking areas and agricultural machinery is strictly forbidden.

» Alcohol may be consumed only by those aged eighteen or over. We operate a ‘Challenge 25’ policy in all bars.

» No private barbecues allowed.

» Vehicles are admitted on condition that Cowdray Park Polo Club shall not be liable for damage to any vehicle. Anything in or on or about any vehicle howsoever such a loss or damage may be caused.

» Please report any suspicious packages to a member of staff

Cowdray Park Polo Club has a duty of care to all Gold Cup attendees and wishes everyone an enjoyable time. Anyone judged to be putting themselves or others at risk may be asked to leave the grounds by officials of the club.

GUEST SERVICES

» TOILETS

Toilets are available throughout the Lawns Polo Grounds and directly behind your enclosures. Please consult the event maps for exact locations or ask a member of the onsite team for directions.

» FIRST AID

A First Aid Centre is available next to the Main Information Point. Please speak to your host for assistance if required.

» LOST PROPERTY

Lost property should be brought to an information point or handed to a member of staff who will ensure the item is kept secure until returned to the owner. If you have lost something, please go to an information point and provide a description of the item along with your contact details. Our team will do their best to reunite you with your lost property.

» WI-FI

Wi-Fi will not be available. While every effort is made to provide a good mobile network service across the site, we cannot guarantee perfect coverage due to the temporary nature of the event infrastructure.

» SMOKING

Smoking is not permitted anywhere within the enclosure tent structure for the safety and comfort of all guests. We politely request that you move to the ‘garden’ areas of the enclosure outside of your pagoda should you wish to smoke.

» HOSTS

Your hosts will greet you on arrival at your enclosure or pagoda on the day of your event. Anything that you would like or require assistance with on the day, please ask your host who will be happy to help. Ahead of the event if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Partnerships & Hospitality Manager Olivia at olivia.liddiard@cowdraypolo.co.uk

» SHOPPING

Our luxury retail village plays host to an array of unique brands across art and fine jewellery, luxury leather goods and finely crafted apparel from across the globe. Enjoy perusing authentic Argentinian polo belts, mallets and hats, local equine artists, and our own Cowdray Park Polo Club clothing pop-up shop before stopping off for a tipple at the bar with our partners’ Gusbourne and No.3 Gin. Our retail village accepts all major credit cards.

» PARTNER ACTIVATIONS

U.S Polo Assn.

Our Official Apparel Partner U.S Polo Assn. will be returning to the Gold Cup Final with their famous ‘Longest Shot’ competition. This year, children aged 3 to 16 can compete to hit the longest polo shot from their wooden horse. The winner will receive a £100 U.S. Polo Assn. voucher to be spent at their pop-up shop on the day and a free child polo lesson.

No.3 Gin

Our Official Gin Partner No.3 will be giving spectators at the Gold Cup the chance to win a range of No.3 Gin gifts. Look out for their iconic key, dropped on the field during the treading of the divots to win.

FOLLOW THE ACTION

KEEP UP TO DATE

» COWDRAY TV

Purchase your tournament pass via our website to watch all the games in the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup 2024.

» SOCIALS

Instagram / Facebook / X: @cowdraypolo

LinkedIn: Cowdray Park Polo Club

» WEBSITE

Follow all the action leading up to the final stages of the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup on our website cowdraypolo.co.uk

MEMBERSHIP

» SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP

Social membership at Cowdray Park Polo Club offers a relaxed and beautiful setting for all to enjoy the ‘Game of Kings’. As the home of British polo, Cowdray Park Polo Club prides itself on making polo accessible to all. As well as welcoming back our loyal existing members, the club also welcomes those that are new to polo. With polo played on most days throughout the season, a full calendar of members social events and reciprocal dates spanning a range of different sports, you will very much feel part of the club from the start.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

» Free entry to all polo matches, including the Gold Cup semi-finals and final, for a member and guest (excluding junior membership)

» Over 25 reciprocal sporting events – full calendar to be launched pre-season

» Access to the Clubhouse and Members’ enclosure at all matches

» Complimentary diary, a commemorative badge and car pass

» Invitations to all the Club’s social events and exclusive members events throughout the season

» Regular e-newsletters with match reports, club updates and the seasons latest news

» Preferential rate at the Clubhouse at Ambersham

» A complimentary copy of the CPPC Yearbook Join us at cowdraypolo.co.uk/membership

CONTACTS

EMERGENCY CONTACTS -

PARTNERSHIPS & HOSPITALITY MANAGER

» To contact our Partnerships & Hospitality Manager Olivia, please reach out by email or phone:

Olivia.liddiard@cowdraypolo.co.uk 01730 813257 | 07768 823846

MORE INFORMATION

» For more information on Cowdray Park Polo Club or our simple Guide to Polo, please visit cowdraypolo.co.uk