African Deluxe Company is proud to announce its inaugural event, the Standard Bank Polo in the Park, set to take place on Saturday 16^th November 2019, at Steyn City Parkland Residence, in Johannesburg.

Headlined by Standard Bank, Park Polo is a first of its kind concept for Africa. This is a modern form of action polo, forming part of a new global polo movement focused on creating exciting ways to play polo in and around urban centres, where space is often limited. Rules are simplified, teams change ends only at half time rather than after every goal, and the polo field is smaller, so this makes the game quicker and simpler, and it brings the spectators closer to the action by way of an arena-style polo playing field, which for this event, Steyn City built from scratch.

The theme for the day is “Polo through the Ages” and will showcase the iconic countries and cities that polo first became famous in, from Persia, where it all started 2000 years ago, to Shanghai, Jaipur, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, and of course Johannesburg, which makes the well-travelled, Amanda du Pont the perfect choice as MC.

Juxtaposed against a very modern way of playing polo, the Standard Bank Polo in the Park will be taking a look at the narrative of polo through the eyes of its very rich cultural history. The day will give us an emblem of the game’s origin, history and modernity, with the emphasis on elevating the elegance and luxurious lifestyle of the game and its patrons.

The Standard Bank Polo in The Park is not only about polo, but about the lifestyle that accompanies the sport of kings. The event boasts an Aspire Art Pop-Up Gallery, a Bulgari Jewellery Lounge, a luxury fashion emporium (including sunglasses by Freckle Eyewear and a showcase by Sandton City’s Diamond Walk), entertaining jazz and hip hop performances and a luxury car showcase.

Standard Bank decided to partner with South Africa’s most formidable luxury events and marketing company to make its first foray into polo, The African Deluxe Company. One of the African Deluxe Company partners, Anina Malherbe-Lan, co-founded the iconic Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo Cape Town 10 years ago, so excellence and world-class hospitality are to be expected.

“As Africa’s largest banking group, it is fitting that we would host Africa’s first polo in the park experience offering our customers and event goers an inimitable take on the iconic sport. The values of the sport of polo – integrity, fair play and passion – align with our brand values,” says Lindy-Lou Alexander, Head of PBB SA Marketing at Standard Bank.

“After being involved in the business of Luxury Polo events for ten years, we could not be prouder to partner with Africa’s biggest bank, Standard Bank, to launch Africa’s first, The Standard Bank Jo’burg Polo in the Park. We are passionate about Africa, and South Africa and showcasing our country to the world. We look forward to presenting The City of Gold like never before,” says Anina Malherbe-Lan.

Steyn City’s new Polo Park, specifically built for this event, creates a magnificent backdrop, with breath-taking views of Steyn City’s manicured parklands, overlooking the pristine Nicklaus design golf course and international award-winning clubhouse.

“Since inception, Steyn City has set out to create the space for families and friends to spend time together, doing what they love best,” comments Tammy Menton, Group Head of Marketing and Events, Steyn City Properties. “Polo in the Park is a perfect example of this – an event which speaks to our own ethos, which revolves around providing a lifestyle that’s unrivalled by anything else in South Africa. Of course, given facilities like our world class equestrian centre, it goes without saying that many of our residents are equine enthusiasts!”

The impressive mixed-use lifestyle resort, founded by renowned businessman Douw Steyn, is situated in Johannesburg’s “new north”, near Fourways, and totals more than 2000 acres of beautifully landscaped residential parkland completed by top lifestyle facilities. Its prime location between Jo’burg and Pretoria, the fastest-growing node in South Africa, makes for the perfect site for Africa’s first park polo.

The event will be attended by top South African business people, local and international celebrities, VVIPs, and media, and offers a scenic day out in the City of Gold, filled with beautiful people, unforgettable experiences, chic fashion, as well as art and jazz on the side lines.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Saturday, 16 November 2019

Time: 12:00 – 17:00 (after party details to be advised)

Venue: Steyn City Parkland Residence

Theme: Polo Through the Ages

Hashtag: #SBPolointhePark

Tickets: Various ticket options for sale via Computicket.com – buy here

or for lounge requests email Naeemah on naeemah@theafricandeluxecompany.com or call 021 – 465 2312.

NB: Event not open to persons under the age of 18 years.

For more information about the event, please visit the official website on https://joburgpolointhepark.com/