The fields at Newport Polo came alive on Saturday, August 16, as fans gathered for one of the most anticipated matches of the summer, USA vs. Jamaica. With the theme of Reggae Vibes, the day was filled with color, music, and island spirit. Tailgates were decorated with tropical flair, guests dressed to match the theme, and the air buzzed with excitement long before the players rode onto the field. The energy was undeniable, and it set the stage for an unforgettable afternoon.
Before the match began, the sidelines were brimming with activity. Guests browsed through the vendor village, where Cocoa & Co., Newport Fine Linens, Simply Chickie, and the Newport Polo Pro Shop offered shopping and unique local treasures. Fans sampled food and sweets from crowd favorites like Brie & Honey, Newport Chowder Company, JA Patties, Java Jai Coffee, Ben & Jerry’s, and Sweet B’s Donuts, while at the Pavilion and Dillon’s Patio Bar, the Drink of the Match, a tropical favorite called Jamaica Me Crazy, was a huge hit. Meanwhile, Foxwoods Resort Casino brought their game show booth with prizes, creating even more entertainment for spectators, while Visit Jamaica and Hotel Viking proudly anchored the day as match sponsors.
There were also special moments that made the day even more memorable. The Best in Show award went to a spectacularly decorated tailgate, with the winners receiving a prize from Stella Artois and Cocoa & Co., while one lucky guest won the door prize – an incredible four-day trip to Jamaica’s leading all-inclusive resort. Just before the match began, the coin toss was delivered by Mathew Blake from Visit Jamaica, kicking off the competition with a nod to the visiting team.
On the field, both sides wasted no time in showing their skill. Within the first thirty seconds of play, Jamaica struck with a goal that electrified the crowd and ultimately earned the title of Play of the Game! USA responded quickly, tying the score before the first chukker ended. The Americans held Jamaica scoreless in the second chukker, briefly taking the lead, but Jamaica stormed back in the third, adding three goals and bringing the score to a thrilling 4–4 tie at halftime. As fans poured onto the field to stomp divots, sip cold drinks, and take photos with the ponies, anticipation grew for what was sure to be a dramatic second half.
When play resumed, Jamaica’s offense came alive. In the fourth chukker, they delivered four unanswered goals that left Team USA scrambling to keep pace. Though Rory Torrey and Sam Clemens rallied late in the game with goals of their own, Jamaica’s Caleb Bryden and Zachary Byles answered back, ensuring that the green jerseys kept their lead. The final whistle blew with Jamaica victorious, defeating Team USA by a score of 10–7 in a fast-paced, high-energy contest.
At the trophy presentation, Hotel Viking’s Johnson Mendez, Interim GM, awarded the USA vs. Jamaica Perpetual Cup, a silver liberty bowl trophy inaugurated in 1994, to the jubilant Jamaican team and Sassafras owned by D Keating was named Best Playing Pony. Both sides received applause from the crowd for their spirited play, and fans lingered on the sidelines long after the match, soaking in the atmosphere and celebrating another classic chapter in this international rivalry.
A festive apres polo crowd moved to Dillon’s Patio Bar for a round of complimentary toasts and plenty of New England fare by Newport Chowder Company to fuel the dancing to DJ sets around the fire pits.
From the festive tailgates and themed celebrations to the thrilling action on the field, the USA vs. Jamaica match was a true highlight of the Newport Polo season. It was a day filled with flavor, flair, and unforgettable moments, perfectly capturing the island spirit. And as always, the excitement doesn’t end there, fans are invited back next Saturday for another can’t-miss showdown as Newport faces New York in a roaring rivalry under the summer sun.