The spirit of fall polo was in full swing on Saturday, September 6, as Newport Polo hosted the Grieco Automotive Newport Pro-Am, one of the most anticipated matches of the season. With an Oktoberfest theme, the Pavilion and tailgates were alive with Bavarian flair—fans dressed in traditional styles, sipping steins, and celebrating an afternoon where horsepower on the field met the festive spirit of autumn.

The sidelines sparkled with fan traditions and sponsor activations. The Stella Artois Best in Show winner embodied the Oktoberfest vibe, taking home a special prize, while the door prize winner uncorked a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and secured entry into a sweepstakes for a trip of their choosing with Turkish Airlines. Foxwoods Resort Casino kept the excitement buzzing throughout the day, giving away prizes and hosting activations that drew constant crowds. Meanwhile, guests admired the sleek power and style of two show-stopping vehicles, a BMW and an Acura, displayed by BMW of Newport with Grieco Automotive near the cabanas, blending the thrill of horsepower with the elegance of polo.

Fans browsed booths from Simply Chickie and the Newport Polo Pro Shop, while foodies enjoyed a feast from Brie & Honey, Newport Chowder Company, Jacajai Coffee, Ben & Jerry’s, and the ever-popular Newport Sushi Co.Refreshments flowed with the Drink of the Match, the crisp and refreshing Ride-Off Radler, available at the Pavilion and Dillon’s Patio Bar, where Dillon’s Seltzers and Penelope Bourbon were such hits they sold out on the field.

The coin toss, delivered by Megan Provost, President of R.I.S.E., set the tone for an afternoon of friendly but fierce competition. On the field, Team BMW (Brendan Tetrault, Dan Keating, Ernesto Trotz, and Rick Salter) squared off against Team Acura (Zita Lazzarini, James Thames, Caleb Bryden, and Bautista Pelosi), under the watchful eye of umpire Rory Torrey.

BMW struck first with a quick goal, but Caleb Bryden of Acura responded immediately, reminding the crowd that this contest would be no runaway. The second chukker saw defenses tighten, with Acura keeping BMW off the scoreboard. In the third, Acura’s James Thames broke the game open with two powerful goals. BMW’s Brendan Tetrault and Dan Keating answered back with a goal apiece to keep things close, but Bautista Pelosi added another for Acura, giving them a 5–3 lead at halftime. Fans poured onto the field for the lively divot stomp, refreshing drinks in hand, stopping for photos with ponies, and enjoying the buzz of anticipation.

When play resumed, BMW looked determined to claw their way back. Key players Brendan, Dan, and Ernesto Trotzeach found the posts in the second half, closing the gap and energizing the Newport faithful. But Acura, anchored by Caleb Bryden’s consistency and Bautista Pelosi’s relentless attack, held their ground. In the fifth chukker, Brendan added another for BMW, but Acura stormed ahead with three goals, widening the gap. The sixth and final chukker left no doubt: Bautista Pelosi capped off his standout performance with two more unanswered goals, shutting down BMW’s hopes of a late comeback.

The final whistle confirmed the outcome: Acura 11 – BMW 7, a decisive win that showcased speed, precision, and strategy. Mark Grenga, General Manager of BMW of Newport, presided over the trophy presentation, honoring both teams for a match that embodied the Pro-Am spirit, where professionals and amateurs combine for unforgettable competition. Meanwhile, the BMW cabana erupted in a spirited post-match party, bringing fans, players, and sponsors together in celebration.

From Bavarian flavors and festive fashion to thrilling polo action, sponsor activations, and luxury showcases, the Grieco Automotive Pro-Am once again lived up to its reputation as a highlight of the season. The day was a perfect blend of sport and spectacle, leaving fans counting down the days until next Saturday’s international showdown: USA vs. Australia!