Polo at Los Pinos fields |
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Los Pinos polo fields, Sotogrande
Los Pinos is the principal ground for Sotogrande, offering two unique spectator spaces surrounded by 20 hectares of field and parkland.The high handicap matches of the International Summer Tournament and most of the winter tournaments are played here. The Los Pinos ground has four playing fields and one warm-up field.
The principal Los Pinos fields have been classified as World Class, with facilities dedicated to providing the highest quality hospitality to host both private and corporate events throughout the year.
Information about Polo tournaments in Sotogrande
Watching the Polo at Los Pinos ground
Spectators are welcome to attend the tournament matches which take place during the summer late afternoons; admission and parking is free. Pre-2019 there was a entrance fee for the finals. The 2022 Gold Cup final saw an unexpectedly large attendance, with Europa press reported 6,000 spectators, leading to long queues at the refreshment stands. It is therefore advisable to bring your own water bottle to the finals.
The main spectator area is now officially called the Last Chukker, akin to the 19th hole in Golf, and was Area B. It is located between Polo Field Los Pinos III and Polo Field Los Pinos IV. From 17.00 the Last Chukker features the main bar, food trucks, retail area, and market stalls (on Friday and Saturday) selling panama hats, dresses, costume jewellery, and handicrafts. Entrance is though the downstairs area of the main pavilion, which is devoted to sponsors' stands, an art gallery, and retail outlets. Upstairs is reserved for the VIP terrace ticketholders.
The second spectator area is officially called Area A at the Santa Maria Los Pinos ground. It is located between Los Pinos II and Los Pinos III polo fields. It includes outside viewing terraces, kids area.
The Last Chukker offers plenty of opportunities to entertain and socialise. There is live music after the polo matches, typically funk, soul, jazz, and latin, and at the end of the night is a disco-terraza. Naturally Friday and Saturday evenings are the most lively, and Sunday afternoon is also very popular. There are free front-line bench-seating terraces overlooking both Field III and Field IV. If the polo is being played on Field III, Area A offers a quieter public terrace to watch with the evening sun behind, better for taking photos. Visitors may cross the Los Pinos III field from main Area B to Area A in the interval or after the match, and may walk all the way around the field at any time. There is also a supervised children's play area in Area A for a small fee.
Dress is smart-casual, typically for men Bermuda shorts and Polo tops, for ladies summer dress. Summer hats are popular, particularly Panama hats.
The upstairs lounge of the main pavilion has an upper hospitality terrace with premium seating. Since 2022 this is sold as a 'VIP Daily Pass' costing from 50€ for heats to 150€ for finals per day, including an open bar of soft drinks, water, wine and beer.
Alongside the field are picket-fenced shaded terrace 'boxes'. These overlook Field III and Field IV in Main Area A. and are available for hire with hospitality included for groups, usually corporate hospitality rather than private parties.
In the 2024 summer season for the first time there were four spectacular concerts on the Larios Stage. The terrace serves drinks during the matches and opens for dinner after they finish.
Afterpolo
The 'Afterpolo' in Los Pinos Area is an event space that runs the best Sotogrande fiestas, and is typically open from 12am until 6am throughout the summer. During the last few years, there have been themed nights such as Barbie night in 2024 summer, and collaborations with famous Spanish artists, such as Gonzy, Henry Mendez and Noriel. Afterpolo however, will not be reopening for the 2025 summer season.
How to reach the Los Pinos polo fields
To reach the main arena of Los Pinos fields, take the A-7 coast road to Exit km 133. The entrance is a little hidden so look out for it carefully.
When travelling from Gibraltar/San Roque, exit the A-7 at km 1091 (was km 133). At the roundabout at the end of the slip road, take the first exit towards Torreguadiaro, and then immediately take the service road on the right as if going to the ceramic shop or fruit stall..
When travelling from Estepona/Manilva on the A-7, on reaching the roundabout after Torreguadiaro (whether having travelled through the village or taken the bypass), continue towards the overbridge for the toll motorway. U turn at the next roundabout, take the exit back towards Torreguadiaro, then immediately take the service road on the right as if going to the ceramic shop or fruit stall.
When travelling from Marbella/Malaga on the toll motorway AP-7 exit km 1091 (was km 133). At the roundabout at the end of the slip road, take the third exit under the motorway bridge towards Torreguadiaro. At the next roundabout take the service road on the right as if going to the ceramic shop or fruit stall.
Fifty metres further on, immediately after the derelict Bar la Parada on the right, is a narrow entrance to a track with signage to the 'Ayala Polo Club Temporada de Polo Sotogrande'. Continue down this track and after 300m on the right is the gate with security post to enter the Santa Maria Polo Club. There is also an entrance from Sotogrande Marina which is opened in summer at match times. Plans to redevelop this ugly section of the road junction and service roads have been stalled with the local authorities for years.
Continue into the club with the practice Polo Field I on the left hand side, park in one of several car parks as directed by attendants. There is plenty of free car parking available, but be prepared for a short walk on a unmade surface to the facilities which are split into Areas A and B (see above) between the three main Polo fields II, III, IV. It is fairly confusing for first timers. Follow the other spectators and head for main area Area B where the main pavilion is located. Area A for the 'After Polo' is to the right. On the smaller, less well attended tournaments in June only Area A is open. There is further parking and access to the facilities on the river side by driving right around the narrow perimeter road, but this is closed to spectators on important match days.