NEWS

Empire Polo Club located in Indio, California, is excited to announce that legendary polo player Memo Gracida will join the staff as Polo Director. Memo will work with Vicky Owens, Empire’s Polo Manager, to help recruit teams and players. He will also be working closely with Kevin Ittig, who oversees Empire’s Grounds Crew, to ensure that the fields are in prime condition for the winter season.

“Last winter was my first season playing at Empire Polo Club and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had,” said Gracida. “I believe that Empire has the potential to be the number one polo club in the U.S.”

While Gracida’s career as a professional player has set an exemplary standard for those who now follow in his footsteps, it is his exceptional ability to coach, educate and organize polo players, teams and programs that drew Empire’s interest.

“After spending the summer in Santa Ynez working with Memo, I see that he has a wealth of experience and exciting ideas about how to grow polo. I’m excited to have his help with Empire’s continued growth,” said Vicky Owens.

The addition of Gracida to Empire’s management team is only the beginning of Empire’s strategy for this new season. Two new venues will open this coming winter: Calhoun Ranch and Empire Grand Oasis. Calhoun Ranch will feature a grass polo field, an indoor polo arena, with plans for a second arena in the works, stabling and 80 acres of large grass pastures. Empire Grand Oasis will be the most precious gem in Empire’s crown. Members will have the opportunity to enjoy a 5,000 square foot clubhouse, a tropical swimming lagoon flanked by palm trees, lush landscaping with waterfalls and an authentic Tiki bar. Adjacent to the lagoon is a newly installed grass polo field, a natural amphitheater and an indoor polo arena; there are plans for three additional grass polo fields.

Empire Polo Club hosts fun parties, offers affordable polo, maintains immaculate grass fields and is a world-class equestrian facility. It is the perfect polo destination for polo players and their families.

•14 Grass Polo Fields by 2019, with plans for three additional fields
•Two Indoor polo arenas; with plans for a third indoor arena
•Stabling and turnouts for 800 + horses
•Multiple exercise tracks

At Empire Polo Club there are opportunities for all levels of players. The 8-Goal League is played February through March. The 4-Goal League begins in January and continues through the end of March. There are 1-goal polo tournaments almost every weekend. Those interested in learning more about Empire’s polo leagues and playing memberships, please contact Vicky Owens at 760-963-9930 or email vickyowens@empirepolo.com or visit www.empirepolo.com.