What is the Ambassadors’ Cup?
We are excited to add the Ambassadors’ Cup Invitational Polo Match, presented by Celebrity Cruises, to the Morven Park polo calendar in 2022. Played on the Morven Park Polo Field, this match will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Chief of Protocol trophy, originated by the U.S. State Department as a tool of international diplomacy. Players will compete on a grass field covering approximately 300 yards by 150 yards, with the chukkers (playing periods) sponsored by the 2022 Polo in the Park Gold Sponsors—AMJ Financial Wealth Management, Celebrity Cruises, Climatic Heating and Cooling, Lauten Design and Construction, and Salesforce, Inc.
The Chief of Protocol trophy was created in 1972 by Ambassador Marion Smoak, then Chief of Protocol of the United States. An avid polo player himself, Ambassador Smoak sought to create an opportunity for friendly international exchange, inviting teams from other nations. Over the ensuing years, it evolved into an exchange between Great Britain and the United States, attended by the Diplomatic Corps. This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Chief of Protocol trophy, which we are excited to bring to Morven Park.
Gates open at 10:00 a.m., with pre-match entertainment featuring the Loudoun Hunt Hounds, a trick riding performance by KJM Enterprises, and carriage driving demonstrations by the Piedmont Driving Club and the USEF Developing Driving Team. During halftime we will enjoy the classic Divot Stomp, sponsored by Veuve Clicquot, and present the Best Tailgate Award, the Snazzy Hat Award sponsored by Carter Braxton Preferred Properties, and the Dapper Dresser Award sponsored by Clegg Chiropractic. The Salt Pot Kitchen will have traditional savory British treats for sale.
How do I purchase tickets?
The Ambassadors' Cup Invitational Polo Match
There are three types of tickets available:
- A General Admission Car Pass admits your vehicle and up to six occupants to the General Admission parking and viewing area.
- A Tailgate Space ticket provides a special car pass for one tailgate space for your vehicle.
- A VIP Individual Tent ticket gives you access to an exclusive viewing area with a 10’x10’ tent, tables and chairs, and two VIP car passes.
What is included in the General Admission Car Pass?
The General Admission Car Pass allows entry for one vehicle with up to six passengers. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. Alcohol may not be consumed by anyone under 21 years of age. Please do not bring portable music devices or speakers. Folding tables or chairs , pop-up tents, canopies, sun umbrellas, or standing structures of any kind are NOT permitted in the General Admission viewing area.
What can I bring to my Tailgate spot?
Within your tailgate space, you are welcome to have folding tables and chairs, and a small pop-up tent, canopy, or sun umbrellas. These items are NOT permitted outside the tailgate spaces. Grills or open flame of any kind are NOT permitted; however, you are welcome to bring your own food and beverages.
How do I compete for the Best Tailgate Award?
Simply make sure that your tailgate décor is set up before the start of the match. Judges will be making their decisions during the first half, and the winner will be announced at halftime. We can’t wait to see your creativity!
What is the expected attire?
Summer is here, and we are ready to celebrate! While you are encouraged to wear your polo finery, keep in mind that this is an outdoor event, so dress for the weather and choose footwear appropriate for a grass surface. Feeling a little competitive? Your sophisticated attire may help you win the Snazzy Hat Award or the Dapper Dresser Award!
How do I win the Snazzy Hat Award, sponsored by Carter Braxton Preferred Properties?
We know you’ve been looking for a reason to wear that fabulous hat! To throw your hat in the ring (figuratively), come down onto the field during halftime when we open the competition, and we will select the snazziest hat with the help of the crowd!
How about the Dapper Dresser Award, sponsored by Clegg Chiropractic?
Right after we select the Snazzy Hat winner at halftime, we will invite all Dapper Dresser competitors to come down onto the field, and will let the crowd help us determine the winner! We can’t wait to see what “dapper dresser” means to you!
Want to learn more about the sport of polo?
If you are interested in learning more about the rules and format of polo, check out the United States Polo Association website.
Upcoming Events on the Morven Park Calendar
At Morven Park, our calendar of events has something for everyone!
Are you ready to celebrate the 4th of July? Morven Park Members are invited to our annual Sparks in the Park celebration, offering a spectacular view of the Town of Leesburg fireworks from the expansive lawn of the Davis Mansion. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and your favorite food and beverages and enjoy a relaxed 4th of July evening with family and friends (up to six people per vehicle). To receive your exclusive invitation, become a Morven Park Member today.
After the excitement of the Ambassadors’ Cup, everyone will be looking forward to the six-night Polo in the Park Season, Saturday evenings from July 9th through August 13th. We can’t wait to enjoy the 5th season of the Sport of Kings under the lights!
We are also counting down the days to the Morven Park Fall International Horse Trials and CCI4*-L, CCI3*/2*YH-S, CCI4*/3*/2*-S, October 6–9. Not sure what all the numbers and letters mean? Join us in October for an exciting weekend of equestrian sport at the international levels and learn all about them!
