We had the pleasure to speak with J. Michael Prince President & CEO of USPA Global about their new and exciting partnership with Chestertons Polo in the Park, Europe’s largest three-day polo and lifestyle event in London.
Tell us a bit about the brand and history of U.S. Polo Assn.
U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the country’s oldest sports governing bodies, founded in 1890. Our multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution includes more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution in more than 190 countries worldwide. U.S. Polo Assn. offers classic, sport-inspired apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children.
This year you are partnering with Chestertons Polo in the Park, what inspired the decision to collaborate with Chestertons Polo in the Park and be the official apparel and kit supplier?
Chestertons Polo in the Park is Europe’s largest three-day polo and lifestyle event, and the only sport of polo event held in downtown London. U.S. Polo Assn.’s sponsorship of this globally recognized event is a fantastic way for our brand to engage with consumers in the U.K., which is one of our fastest-growing markets, and demonstrates our authentic connection to the sport of polo. We are thrilled to partner with Chestertons Polo in the Park, which takes place in historic Hurlingham Park with more than 30,000 polo fans and consumers attending. The sport of polo is our DNA, and we believe that recognizing its history globally is an important way to ensure its future – while sharing it with the world.
Are there any exclusive or limited-edition items offered at the event?
The U.S. Polo Assn. Spring-Summer 2024 Collection features men’s, women’s, and kid’s apparel and will be available to shop at Chestertons Polo in the Park. The apparel is also available in our stores in at the East Midlands Designer Outlet and at the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.
How does U.S. Polo Assn. plan to integrate its products into the event experience?
As the Official Apparel and Jersey Partner for Chestertons Polo in the Park, U.S. Polo Assn. will provide custom performance jerseys for players and staff uniforms, as well as an on-site merchandise tent. Attendees will get to mingle with interactive models dressed in U.S. Polo Assn. have fun in a polo-inspired photo station and participate in contests and cap giveaways over the three-day event.
Can you share any insights into what is so special about the U.S. Polo Assn. brand?
U.S. Polo Assn. isn’t just a brand – it’s an experience. When you purchase U.S. Polo Assn., you own a piece of the sport of polo. As the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), U.S. Polo Assn. product represents our authentic connection to the sport of polo by showing our iconic double-horsemen logo and our brand’s signature red, white, and blue stripe.
What do you enjoy most about the polo experience?
I have been with the U.S. Polo Assn. brand for just over 7 years, and I can honestly say that every year gets more and more exciting! There are thrilling opportunities that bring the best polo players and their equine partners together in action-packed tournaments for family and friends to enjoy all over the world. We just completed the American high-goal season at the USPA National Polo Center (NPC) with the U.S. Open Championship® Final and the largest crowds in the sport’s history at NPC. Just this summer alone, U.S. Polo Assn. is the sponsor of Europe’s most prestigious polo events including the Cowdray Gold Cup, Royal Charity Cup, Paris Polo Challenge Games, Polo Nations Cup, and many more!
What is one motto you live by?
Lead by example.
