The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club has announced Sunday, May 3 will be the opening day of its 2026 Polo Season, Polo in Paradise.
“Polo in Paradise invites guests to experience world-class competition paired with the effortless elegance of a Santa Barbara summer, where sport, style and celebration converge,” organizers said.
“Drawing an international roster of elite players alongside a stylish mix of local tastemakers and visitors from across the globe, the 2026 season promises a vibrant lineup of matches, social gatherings, and signature Sunday traditions,” the polo club said.
“The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club represents the very best of our community, where tradition, sport, and a distinct sense of place come together,” said David Sigman, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club’s general manager.
“Each season, we are proud to welcome both longtime patrons and new guests to experience the excitement of polo in one of the most beautiful settings in the world,” he said. “There’s truly nothing like a Sunday afternoon at the club.”
The 2026 season schedule will again feature a progression of tournament play, beginning with the 12 Goal Series (May and June), followed by the High Goal Series (July and August), and concluding with the 8 Goal Series (September and October).
Spectators can watch polo all weekend, from the 4 p.m. Friday Happy Hour match, to Sunday Polo. The club also offers polo lessons and clinics at its Polo Academy, and will host a variety of social events throughout the season.
Sunday Polo runs May 3-Oct. 11. Gates open at noon for socializing and viewing, leading up to the Pony Parade, “National Anthem,” and team introductions before the 3:30 p.m. ball throw-in to begin the match.
General admission tickets start at $35, with a range of premium seating options including luxury cabanas and field-side tents available for reservation.
For more about Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and to buy tickets, visit sbpolo.com. Group hospitality packages are also offered; contact tickets@sbpolo.com.
Fridays at the club offer a more casual way to enjoy polo, with complimentary admission to the 4 p.m. match, organizers said. Visitors can enjoy Happy Hour drink specials and light bites.
Overlooking the fields, the Polo Grill offers a front-row seat to the action. The Polo Grill is open 4-6 p.m. Fridays, and Sundays starting at noon.
The Polo Boutique also returns for 2026, offering resort-ready apparel, accessories, and club merchandise, the club said.
The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club’s 2026 season is supported by partners, including U.S. Polo Assn., Whittier Trust, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, Folded Hills Winery, Santa Barbara Auto Group, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Norman’s Nursery, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Palm Tree, Visit Santa Barbara, and Arnold Brothers Construction.