Five polo players race down the field. Tournament mtches get underway Aug. 14. (David Lominska photo)
Tournament play gets underway Aug. 14. (David Lominska photo)

The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, in partnership with U.S. Polo Assn., will host the 2026 U.S. Polo Association Pacific Coast Open, Aug. 14-30.

Widely regarded as the crown jewel of West Coast polo, the Pacific Coast Open brings many of the sport’s top players to the American Riviera for two weeks of world-class competition, tradition and fieldside entertainment, organizers said
 
“The U.S. Polo Assn. Pacific Coast Open is one of those special occasions when you can feel polo history all around you,” said David Sigman, general manager of the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.

“For more than a century, this tournament has brought together remarkable players, horses and fans, and we’re proud to carry that tradition forward here in Santa Barbara,” he said.

“Whether you’ve followed polo for years or are joining us for the first time, there’s nothing quite like being here and experiencing it together.” Sigman said.
 
Tournament play begins Friday, Aug. 14, with matches held Fridays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 3:30 p.m.

The semifinals will be at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, followed by the championship final, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30.

The semifinals and final will also be livestreamed on the USPA Polo Network. Viewing details, including access information, are available on the USPA Polo Network livestream schedule and Global Polo YouTube.
 
“The U.S. Polo Assn. Pacific Coast Open is one of the most historic and prestigious tournaments in our sport, and we’re proud to return as Title Sponsor and continue our long-standing partnership with the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club,” said J. Michael Prince, president/CEO of USPA Global.

USPA Global manages and markets the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand.

“This tournament celebrates a high level of competition during the summer polo season,” Prince said.
 
A new playful new element to the fieldside experience is the official signature drink of the 2026 tournament, the U.S. Polo Assn. Divot Stomp, organizers said.

Available during Sunday matches through the U.S. Polo Assn. Pacific Coast Open final, the specialty drink is inspired by a polo tradition, the halftime divot stomp.
 
First played in 1909, the Pacific Coast Open is among the oldest polo tournaments in existence. At its heart is the Pacific Coast Open trophy, a five-foot-tall work of silver and gold crowned by an eagle supporting a globe.

The five-foot-tall Pacific Coast Open trophy is a work of silver and gold crowned by an eagle supporting a globe. (David Lominska photo)
The five-foot-tall Pacific Coast Open trophy is a work of silver and gold crowned by an eagle supporting a globe. (David Lominska photo)

The trophy was known by several names, including the All America Trophy, before becoming the Pacific Coast Open Championship Trophy in 1929.

After traveling among some of California’s most storied polo clubs, it found its permanent home in Santa Barbara in 1952.

“Today, it remains a symbol of the history, prestige and competitive excellence of one of polo’s most celebrated championships,” event organizers said.

For tickets, hospitality offerings and more tournament information, visit SBPolo.com.

The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club’s 2026 season is supported partners, including U.S. Polo Assn., Whittier Trust, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, Folded Hills Winery, Santa Barbara Auto Group.

Also, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Norman’s Nursery, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Palm Tree, Visit Santa Barbara, and Arnold Brothers Construction.

For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and globalpolo.com