For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Land Rover America’s Polo Cup 2009 Polo World Championship, the world’s largest and most prestigious polo experience, will be held May 8 & 9 at the Capitol Polo Club in Poolesville, MD.
This year’s championship match features the United States Polo Team, co-sponsored by Land Rover, vs. the Australian Polo Team, sponsored by Qantas and captained by international Polo star Glen Gilmore, the highest rated Australian National at eight goals handicap.
“We are delighted that the Capitol Polo Club here in Montgomery County was selected to host the prestigious 2009 Land Rover America’s Polo Cup World Championship tournament featuring the USA vs. Australia,” said Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett. “This event is a world class celebration of polo, culture, fashion and history that will provide an exciting array of weekend festivities for County residents as well as for visitors from around the world.”
In addition to the international sporting competition, the Land Rover America’s Polo Cup will include “Rockin the Runway,” a nationally-recognized fashion show featuring America’s Next Top Model winners as well as top models from New York and Washington DC. A live musical performance by American Idol star Michael Johns will be held Friday night, with other Australian and American musical headliners to be announced soon performing throughout the two-day event.
The CW Network will televise the “Land Rover America’s Polo Cup Television Special “Where the Elite Meet” live to tape, as well as produce a special Land Rover America’s Polo Cup television show that will air on Saturday, May 16th at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 17th at 10:30 a.m.
The tournament will also honor The Battle of Coral Sea, a major World War II naval battle where the United States, Australia and allied forces defeated Japan. The Polo event commemorates the Battle and celebrates the United States’ important bi-lateral relationship with Australia. Spectators will be treated to a special Battle of the Coral Sea Air Show of original Warbirds and Japanese aircraft, as well as other high flying demonstrations, military presentations and a spectacular fireworks show.
Land Rover America’s Polo Cup will showcase the traditional half time show, featuring the United States Marine Corps precision Silent Drill Team, followed by an Air Show with a host of interactive, on-site activities for attendees.
“The Land Rover America’s Polo Cup is excited to be in Montgomery County this year offering families a weekend full of culture, polo, music and fun – complete with a Fireworks Show – all at an exceptional value,” explains event founder Tareq Salahi. “Hosting the Australian Polo Team will undisputedly showcase the most exciting International Polo this country has ever seen and will be a truly memorable lifetime experience.”
New for 2009 are an array of enhanced activities for adults and children, including an exciting Land Rover drive experience on site at the Polo Grounds and a U.S. Navy F-18 simulator allowing children and adults to experience what flying a Super Hornet is like. In addition, U.S. Navy seals will conduct dive demonstrations in a 5,000 gallon tank and offer children the chance to play interactive games through the glass.
“We are proud to be the title sponsor of the Land Rover America’s Polo Cup,” says Chris Marchand, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Land Rover North America. “Land Rover has been a long time supporter of polo events because of the notable similarities between the game and our brand - particularly great feats of agility and strength. Our participation in this event allows us to showcase the many capabilities our vehicles have to offer.”
“We are so proud to be hosting the America’s Polo Cup 2009 World Championship match and event for the very first time here in Montgomery County, Maryland,” said Kelly Groff, Executive Director, Conference and Visitor’s Bureau of Montgomery County (CVB). “This internationally recognized sporting event will no doubt attract families, spectators and fans from around the world. We look forward to hosting the America’s Polo Cup in the County for many years to come.”
For more information about the America’s Polo Cup and to purchase tickets at special reduced rates, call 888-695-0888 or visit www.americaspolocup.com. For more information about Land Rover, visit www.landroverusa.com.
American Airlines and Qantas are sponsors of the America’s Polo Cup and are providing an array of all-inclusive travel and ticketing opportunities. For more information visit www.qantas.com.au/content/dyn/holidays/home or www.aa.com/aa/homePage.do.
For more information about other Montgomery County events and attractions, visit the CVB at www.cvbmontco.com/index.php.
For information on how to start, grow or expand your business in Montgomery County, Maryland, visit the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development at www.smartmontgomery.com.
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Contacts: Sky Melton, 540-635-9933, [email protected]
Taffy Rice, CVB, 240-777-2063
Kristina Ellis, DED, 240-777-2024