Newport Polo Partners with MLK Center for Beach Polo Newport Polo is excited to partner with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center for the return of Beach Polo in the Newport Winter Festival at 3PM on February 25 - 26, weather permitting, as a highlight of the 35th annual winter extravaganza that attracts visitors from throughout the region to the City by the Sea.

The 10th annual two-day polo exhibition will take place during low tide on Sachuest Beach (locally known as 2nd Beach), 315 Sachuest Point Road, Middletown, RI.  Use https://bit.ly/3Ywz1ha for directions.  Beach parking and admission are FREE.

"MLK's Hunger Services need our support, as they anticipate a rise of nearly 25% more meals to distribute this year over last year, for a total of 800,000 meals! Those are staggering numbers.  If we all help in a small way, we can make a big difference," explained Dan Keating, captain, and President of Newport Polo. "Newport Polo has maintained a focus on benefiting the community since its beginning in 1992, and we are grateful for our enthusiastic audience and its support in embracing MLK Center's year-round hunger services, and for the collaborative spirit of the Town of Middletown and Newport Winter Festival."  

Spectators on both days are asked to bring donations of non-perishable dry-goods, toiletries, or household items for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.  MLK Center volunteers will collect donated goods at the Beach Pavilion located in the main parking lot.  Please go to https://mlkccenter.org/current-needs/ for a list of the MLK Center's current needs.

Stay tuned for announcements of the destination for Après Beach Polo celebrations with the players after the match!

For Beach Polo weather updates, please call (401) 846-0200 x2.

Beach Polo is a low-impact, eco-friendly exhibition, and a much-anticipated highlight on the closing weekend of the Newport Winter Festival.  Over 1,000 spectators are expected to line the sandy playing area each day, within the intertidal area of the beach.  Teams this year will be Newport vs. out of state rivals competing on finely tuned thoroughbred polo horses.  Horses are accustomed to sandy footing in their natural habitats all over the world, including the US desert southwest.  The polo ponies are conditioned and exercised in polo arenas, played on similar footing materials.

All beach rules are in effect.  Attendees are reminded that alcohol is not permitted and to stay out of the dunes which are protected habitat.  Well behaved leashed dogs are also welcome!   See current conditions on the beach cam.  Free parking is available at Sachuest Beach.  Spectators are encouraged to arrive early where they can meet the players and horses before the match and enjoy the beautiful ocean views.

Photo by Rod Harris, 2020.

About Newport Winter Festival: This is the 35th annual Newport Winter Festival, running from Feb. 17-26th.  Over 150 events taking place throughout Newport County will be featured in 'New England's Largest Winter Extravaganza,' combining food, festivities, music, and fun for all ages.  The complete schedule of events and other Winter Fest specials can be found online at https://www.newportwinterfestival.com/.

About Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center: Founded in 1922 and renamed after Dr. King in 1968, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center is a multi-service provider for at-risk and underserved individuals, families and children in Newport County, Rhode Island. An independent non-profit organization, the mission of the MLK Community Center is to nourish, educate, and support Newport County residents to improve their economic and social well-being. 20 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd, Newport RI 02840; Phone: (401) 846-4828; Fax: (401)848-7360; www.MLKCCenter.org.

About Newport Polo: Newport Polo has launched the 32nd season of summer exhibition matches of the Newport International Polo Series, and is the home of America's first polo club, founded in 1876, a charter member of the United States Polo Association, and largest polo club in the Northeast, providing member services for grass & arena polo and polo instruction year-round.

About Newport, Rhode Island:

For more than 375 years, Newport has been welcoming visitors from near and far to its charming New England coastal harbor, earning its reputation as America’s First Resort.  A renowned international destination, Newport is ripe with art, culture, history and scenic beauty, with miles of unspoiled beaches, distinctive shops, renowned restaurants, diverse accommodations, and world-class sporting and cultural events.