Newport, RI – July 10, 2025 — Newport Polo announced a milestone achievement in its 34-year history: the polo match on Saturday, July 5, featuring USA vs. Italy, drew what is estimated to be the largest crowd to date. While final numbers are still being tallied, the organization confirms it will establish a formal attendance cap moving forward to preserve the quality of the polo experience for all attendees.
“The Italian team’s debut in 2012 was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, especially in a state with one of the largest Italian populations per capita outside of Italy,” said Dan Keating, Newport Polo Series Founder and President. “Their popularity has only continued to grow.”
This year’s highly anticipated rematch, held over Independence Day weekend, coincided with perfect summer weather and peak tourism in the Newport area—factors that contributed to unprecedented turnout.
In response to the record crowds, Newport Polo will introduce ticketing changes starting in the 2026 season. Select high-demand matches will be capped at a set capacity that will most likely be reached with advance online ticket sales. For events that reach that capacity, on-site ticket sales at the gate will be discontinued. The yearlong lead time will allow fans to prepare for the transition.
Since its founding in 1992, Newport Polo has seen steady growth—from just 99 attendees at the first match to several thousand at each Saturday game this year. The exact attendance for Saturday’s match is still being totalled, pending analysis of attendance by children under 15 (who do not require a ticket), season passholders, and tickets donated to charities. The increase in spectators has been evident across the board.
Newport Polo hosts 17 to 18 matches each season, every Saturday from June through September, at the historic home of America’s First Polo Club.
For a recap of the USA vs. Italy match and more information about upcoming events, visit newportpolo.com.
The Newport International Polo Series thanks it’s loyal sponsors including Brenton Hotel, BD, TD Bank, Turkish Airlines, Modern Luxury Boston, Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Vanderbilt International Properties, Hotel Viking, Hammetts Hotel, Newport Harbor Island Resort, Forty 1° North, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Providence Business News, R.I.S.E., Clarke Cooke House, Penelope Bourbon, Herb Chambers Exotics, Grieco Automotive, Atria Senior Living, Tito’s Vodka, RI Commerce, Stella Artois, A1 Roofing & Construction, Kinsella Building Co., Highclere Castle Gin, ROCKSTAR Limo, and Classical 95.9 WCRI; and promotional partners including The Cocktail Guru, Newport Jaguar Tours, Island Adventures, Sea Newport, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport Vineyards, Newport Mansions, Elizabeth In Newport, Newport Kites, and Cocoa & Co.