The glamour event that marks the summer is officially back after a 3-year hiatus. The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is returning to Liberty State Park this June! I am writing an all new blog post because since 2019, people have turned 21, learned about this event, or finally considering attending.

Snagging tickets to this event is just as hard as grabbing Coachella or Renaissance tickets, known to sell out in under 3 minutes. As a #vcpoloclassic veteran for 7 years, I’m here to share my best tips!

What’s is it?

It’s advertised as a polo match hosted by spirit company Veuve Clicquot, and while that is true. It is also the pinnacle of summer events where everyone dresses the part. An afternoon of adults day drinking bubbly top-shelf champagne in extravagant clothing.

when/Where/how much is it?

The all day event takes place on the first Saturday in June from 11 am - 6 pm at Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

Get your tickets IMMEDIATELY!

April 25th Early Acccess for for AMEX Platinum & Centurion - April 27th General Sale

In previous years ticket prices start at $90 for the first round of general admission (they are released in 3 rounds, it is the same experience no matter the price), and goes all the way up to $475 for the Rose Garden ticket. Today the ticket prices range from $150, all the way up to $550! That darn inflation! This year a new tier was introduced called La Grande Dame Cabanas which is going for a whopping $22 grand for up to 10 people. That sounds cute and all, however I will play in my tax cabana.

On the flip side, I bet you’re wondering if the Rose Garden splurge is worth it. Since I’ve done both, I’ll share my opinion.

The 2019 prices are only for inflation references

2023 Admission

General Admission - You can venture around everywhere in the park except for Rose Garden. Access to food trucks, bars, photo backdrops, bathrooms. This side is first-come-first-come picnic style. You can bring something to sit on such as a blanket, food, and unopened non-alcoholic beverages. It is really fun, but you would have to buy your own bottle of Veuve Clicquot which is $100 and the food trucks are expensive.

Rose Garden - Think VIP. There is priority boarding for the ferry, designated shorter lines when entering the park and there is access to every part including the private Rose Garden. Inside the Rose Garden there are numerous sections with comfortable plush chairs and sofas (which is also first-come, first-served). It includes a light lunch in a picnic box and a bottle of rose Veuve Clicquot rose champagne in addition to a private bar with a shorter line. This area is good for networking as a lot of high profile people are usually here.

I would say the Rose Garden is worth it for an elevated experience, especially if you’re living your best Rich Auntie life, but you will still have a magnificent time in General Admission. Consider if you would end up paying the difference in price after purchasing alcohol and food, and whether you want to have a seating area instead of toting a picnic blanket.

NYC or NJ Departure

The tickets offer two departure choices, you can either depart from Battery Park in NY where they offer a ferry included in the price, or depart from New Jersey, where a shuttle takes you to the ground. I would recommend departing from New Jersey, because you can either drive and park (parking was under $10 the last time I went), or take and Uber, hop on the shuttle and you’re ready to enjoy the show.

Departing from NY isn’t quite as seamless. Once at the meeting point in Battery Park, be ready to wait in a long line in order to get on the ferry. The ferry ride is about 20 mins, and once at Liberty State Park, there is about another 20 minute walk to the actual ground where the match is being held. There are peddy cabs (bike carriage rides) that take you to the ground for $10 per person which I highly recommend, to keep you from getting sweaty and exhausted so early. The price may be more this year, cause ya know, inflation!

The ferry runs all throughout the day so you can arrive and leave at your leisure.

What To Wear

This is no casual event, however, comfort is highly recommended. This event happens rain or shine, and from my experience it is always HOT. So what should you wear? Since it takes place on a grassy field, stilettos are out of the question. Wear flats, a chunky/block heel, or wedges. Also be aware that your shoes will most likely become filthy from the dirt and mud, mine sure did. You definitely may want to wear your comfy shoes and keep the fancy ones strictly for photo ops. For clothing, just dress to impress. I’m sure the fashions enticed your interest more than the actual polo match.

There will be tons of photographers, writers, and editors. It is definitely an opportunity to be featured, I call it a fusion between British Tea Party meets Fashion Week. Consider tulles, satin, flowy dresses, bold prints, abstract designs, intricate patterns, fascinators, gloves, church hats, anything that would garner compliments. I am more into creating my own look (preferably a top and a bottom) opposed to buying something current. The one year I decided to purchase a dress from ASOS, my cousin and someone else had on the same darn dress lol. Being that this event lasts for so many hours, I would not compromise comfort. In my opinion the men really BRING it, more that women. Sorry ladies, let’s show them how it’s done this year!

Get There Early

If you don’t take any of my advice, please take this one. Being fashionably late is not the way to go. Since everything is on a first-come, first-serve basis, you want to have first dips on seating and being able to have fun around the park. There are countless backdrops, bars, food trucks, gift shops plastered around the park, and once the people start rolling in, the lines get longer. Trust me, you do not want to spend a lot of your time in lines when you could be watching the match and having a good time. Get there early and get settle in.

Who Should I GO With?

This is a social event with a dash of polo. This should be the event that leaves the group chat. It will feel like a family reunion while having a bougie time. I have gone to this event with friends and family, and even brought my mom in 2018. Being that so many people attend this event with the same interests in mind (looking good and drinking champagne), it is easy to mingle and make new friends if you go solo.

From my experience everyone is always friendly with great vibes no matter their background. You are bound to run into someone you know and if you’re solo, they will surely invite to hang with their crew. This is an honorary Black event, the music being played will solidify that. Mary J. Blidge and Beyonce will definitely be bumping. Some people have expressed that they think it’s full of snobby, non-engaging folks. Not true at all, everyone is there to have a blast!

how to prepare?

This is vital, prepare, prepare, prepare! Have everything you need from the night so that the morning of you have one less thing to worry about. As I’ve been saying comfort is key, bring or wear comfortable shoes. Though there are charging stations, make sure your portable chargers are fully charged. You may see picture of people with umbrellas and wonder why it’s open and if it isn’t raining. That’s because it is usually HOT! That umbrella is a vital necessity for some shade and cooling down.

Speaking of hot, ladies keep this in mind with your make up and this being an all day event. Don’t forget to use/bring sunscreen.

Since food is expensive pack a light lunch that can withstand heat. Charcuterie boards are cute, but that cheese will be melted by 1 pm. I recommend eating a hearty breakfast, grabbing a good ole fashion sandwich from the deli (and a bev), to hold you down during the day. It’s not a food fair, and we don’t really want anything that can drip on our clothes and we don’t want to feel full and bloated. We usually grab food directly after the event ends.

Safety

Safety is always the top concern at events where alcohol is being served. There are metal detectors and bag checks upon arrival to ensure no weapons are being brought into the venue. There is security throughout the park and helpful staff. Alcohol intake is monitored by your wristband. You wrist band has tabs that alotts you one bottle of champagne and 2 glasses. The bartender takes off the tab when they serve you, if you run out of tabs, you can’t be served.

have fun

I’ve been going to this event for years and it completely worth the hype. I love seeing people come together and just have a good time. Take lots of pics and make lots of memories. See ya there!

Xoxo,

The Rich Aunt

All opinions and photos are my own unless stated otherwise

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