ABOUT GREAT MEADOW POLO

When Great Meadow opened its arena polo stadium in 1993, it was ahead of its time.

While arena polo was well established within the U.S. Polo Association and collegiate programs, few venues had invested in a purpose-built, spectator-friendly stadium environment. Most arena polo at the time was played within private clubs or university settings — competitive, but not widely presented as a public-facing experience.

Great Meadow saw the opportunity to do something different.

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By building a dedicated arena and hosting polo under the lights, Great Meadow elevated arena polo from a developmental format into a community tradition. The stadium created an intimate, fast-paced, and accessible way for spectators to experience the sport — blending athleticism, summer evenings, and social gathering in a way that felt distinctly Virginian.

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More than three decades later, arena polo remains a defining part of Great Meadow’s identity — a testament to the Foundation’s early commitment to innovation, accessibility, and preserving equestrian sport not just for players, but for the entire community.