NATIONAL ARENA CHAIRMAN'S CUP
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
Established in 1949, the National Arena Chairman's Cup is a prestigious 8- to 12-goal tournament. Formerly known as the National Arena Twelve Goal and Junior Championship, it has been hosted at various USPA Member Clubs across the United States. Recent champions include California Polo Club (2017), Eden Polo (2019), Celebrity Cruises (2020) and Hotels At Sea (2021).
In 2024, the National Arena Chairman’s Cup was part of the Pacific Coast Arena League (PCAL). Sermus (Chuck Stanislawski, Torrey Ripinsky, Jared Sheldon) faced off against Can This! (Jennifer Alexy, Rehan Kumble, Garrett Bankhead) in a highly anticipated matchup. Uniting participants throughout the summer at clubs across Southern California, Lakeside Polo Club (Lakeside, California) served as the host of the tournament, with the final showdown taking place at California Polo Club (Los Angeles, California). In a high-scoring affair, Sheldon led Sermus with 17 goals, as the team in green emerged with a narrow 24-23 victory.
Relocating to the Lone Star State, the National Chairman's Cup joins the National Arena Delegate's Cup and National Arena Bronze Cup alongside multiple circuit events as part of the widely popular Texas Arena League (TAL). In its eighth year of competition, TAL is comprised of host locations Brookshire Polo Club, Legends Polo Club (Kaufman, Texas), Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center & Arena (Hays Country, Texas) and San Antonio Rose Palace (San Antonio, Texas), uniting arena players competing from the beginner to 12-goal level.
Showcasing many familiar Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) and TAL competitors, six talented teams will vie for for the title including La Luna, Roxstars, Sullivan Group, Traveller's Rest, TAMU Men and Wild Dog Polo/High Goal Veterinary & Diagnostic Imaging. Representing Team USPA are alumnae Stephanie Colburn, Tiamo Hudspeth and Audry Persano (Wild Dog Polo/High Goal Veterinary & Diagnostic Imaging).
Photo: 2024 National Arena Chairman's Cup Champions: Sermus - Chuck Stanislawski, Torrey Ripinsky, Jared Sheldon, pictured with Ethan Bankhead. ©Tequila Sunsets Photography
