The 19th annual Pacers and Polo event welcomed polo fans from all over the state to the Whitney Polo Field in support of USC Aiken equestrian programs on Saturday.
The third jewel of Aiken’s Triple Crown, Pacers and Polo was managed by the Aiken Polo Club for the first time to expand the event this year.
Guests enjoyed the event either as VIP guests, tailgating in a parking spot or by bringing a chair out to the general admission section. Those in the VIP section were treated to pavilion seating for the polo match, a bar and lunch catered by Park Avenue Oyster Bar.
“It's just important that everybody knows all the disciplines of equestrian here in Aiken,” said event planner Susie Kneece. “Polo is a big part of that heritage here. It's been here since 1882 so it's very important to keep it going. And this is the oldest field in the country. That's why we moved it over here to make it a little more private, more special, more togetherness here.”
The two polo teams were sponsored by Stella Artois and the Osla Agency, formerly known as Alison South.
“We're super excited about that,” said Aiken Polo Club Manager Tiger Kneece. “And we also have two great eight-goal teams on tap to play against one another, it should be an even really good game. The field is in just excellent condition. It hadn't been played on yet this year, so we think it's going to be a fast, open, great six-chucker game.”
Team Stella Artois and team Osla Agency went into the final chucker tied at five, but the Osla Agency won after scoring twice in the final minutes of the match.
Cynthia South of the Osla Agency was impressed by the new venue and said the weather was perfect for a polo match.
Filmmaker Walter Czura traveled from Hilton Head Island to support USCA and enjoy the polo match. He said Pacers and Polo was a great way to support Aiken’s economy and its equestrian history.
Czura was joined by former S.C. Rep. Chip Limehouse, whose family has played polo at Whitney Field.
“This is the official start of polo for Aiken,” he said. “And it's also celebrating all the great equestrian disciplines that USC Aiken participates in. We're lucky to have a polo team at USC Aiken, we're lucky to have the National Championship Eventing Team. USC Aiken is punching way above its level relative to equestrian activities.”
A portion of the proceeds from Pacers and Polo are given to the USC Aiken Athletics Department in support of its equestrian programs. Dr. Daniel Heimmerman, chancellor for USA Aiken, threw out the first ball of the polo match as a celebrity guest.
“USC Aiken has a celebrated history supporting the equestrian community here in Aiken,” he said. “This is a testament to that. And we will continue even more to support Equestrian in our community.”
After the match ended, players came out to talk to guests and awards were presented to the winning team. Tiger Kneece was excited about the turnout as groups continued to check in throughout the day.
“We're super happy with the crowd size,” he said. “And the way we're able to get everyone squeezed in. It's nearly a sold-out event, which is big for it to be at a new venue.”
