Eldorado Polo Club
Experience the thrill of professional polo in a stunning desert setting. Enjoy exciting matches, vibrant tailgating, and a unique social atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
90-minute matches, gates open 11 AM
Eldorado Polo Club
Best Time
90-minute matches, gates open 11 AM
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the thrill of professional polo in a stunning desert setting. Enjoy exciting matches, vibrant tailgating, and a unique social atmosphere.
"A GREAT experience! Our group LOVED the Polo and the club. The food was delicious and opening ceremony was spectacular!"
🚗 Carpool or Bike In
Entrance fees vary. Carpooling saves money, and biking can be cheaper than driving in.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Food vendors can be pricey and inconsistent. Bring your own snacks and drinks for a better experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exciting Polo Matches
The Polo Field
Witness incredible riders and horses in action. The matches are fast-paced and engaging for all skill levels.
Spectacular Opening Ceremony
Main Entrance
A grand start to the event, setting an exciting tone for the day's matches.
Tailgate Experience
Designated Tailgate Areas
Enjoy the game with your own food and drinks, right by the field. Pull up your car and set up chairs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets Early
Tailgating & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Entry to the Polo Fields
🚗 Carpool or Bike In
Entrance fees vary. Carpooling saves money, and biking can be cheaper than driving in.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Food vendors can be pricey and inconsistent. Bring your own snacks and drinks for a better experience.
Palm Spring Golf Trip
coachella 1st timer
🗓️ Check the Schedule
Matches have specific start times. Arrive early to secure good tailgating spots.
🪑 Bring Lawn Chairs
Comfortable seating is key for enjoying the match. Many attendees bring their own.
Day 0 Gates Megathread
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Carpool or Bike In
Entrance fees vary. Carpooling saves money, and biking can be cheaper than driving in.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Food vendors can be pricey and inconsistent. Bring your own snacks and drinks for a better experience.
🗓️ Check the Schedule
Matches have specific start times. Arrive early to secure good tailgating spots.
🪑 Bring Lawn Chairs
Comfortable seating is key for enjoying the match. Many attendees bring their own.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the exciting polo matches and the enjoyable tailgate experience, especially when bringing their own food. The beautiful grounds and engaging announcers are frequently praised. However, some recent reviews highlight concerns about significantly increased vehicle entrance fees and disappointing food quality from on-site vendors.
"What a GREAT experience! Our group LOVED the Polo and the club. The food was delicious and opening ceremony was spectacular! Book early in January... this is a MUST DO event when visiting through the end of March."
Michele Waite
"A beautiful grassy place (though, as a Californian seeing all that grass in the desert feels water-wasteful) the grounds and facility are beautifully designed and cared for. Entrance fee is $20 per car. I rode my bike in and was charged $5 entrance fee. Many people bring lunch for a tailgate. You can pull right up to the edge of the field and pull up your pop-up and lawn chairs. There is a vendor selling beer, wine and drinks plus a few food items. Expect ballpark pricing. The Sunday noon match is 90 minutes long with a short half time. The gates open at 11. A great experience"
Jim Cenname
"First time we've attended since Eldorado took over. The facilities aren't as good as Empire. They now charge $81+ per vehicle, (used to be $20), and that's for the end zones. The sound system isn't very good as we couldn't hear the announcer. The washrooms had no hand sanitizer. We do like the assigned spots for tailgating."
Diana Esslinger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Eldorado Polo Club is located in Indio, California. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Consider ride-sharing services or carpooling to manage parking fees and traffic.
Public transportation options to the immediate vicinity of the club might be limited. It's best to check local transit schedules for Indio or consider ride-sharing services for convenience.
Parking is available, with different zones and associated fees. Some reviews mention issues with parking availability on the tailgate side, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, you can ride your bike to the club. One reviewer mentioned a lower entrance fee for cyclists compared to vehicles.
For groups, carpooling is highly recommended to save on entrance fees and simplify parking. Some Reddit threads discuss ride-sharing for events like Coachella, which is nearby, suggesting similar coordination for polo matches.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees can vary. One review noted a $20 per car fee, while another mentioned $5 for a bike. More recent reviews indicate higher vehicle fees, potentially around $81+ for certain spots. Booking early in January is advised.
It's highly recommended to book tickets early, ideally in January, especially if you plan to visit between January and the end of March.
Yes, there appear to be different entry options based on how you arrive (car, bike) and potentially the proximity to the field (e.g., 'end zones').
While not explicitly stated, booking in advance is strongly recommended due to potential sell-outs and varying prices. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on gate sales.
Gates typically open an hour before the match. For example, for a Sunday noon match, gates open at 11 AM. Check the specific schedule for exact times.
🎫 🎽 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the polo match itself. The club offers a beautiful grassy environment for tailgating, and vendors sell drinks and some food items.
Yes, many visitors bring their own lunch and drinks for a tailgate experience. This is a popular way to enjoy the matches and save money.
The grounds are generally well-maintained and beautifully designed. However, one review noted issues with washroom amenities like hand sanitizer.
The matches can be exciting for families, and the open grassy areas are good for kids to move around. Bringing your own food and comfortable seating enhances the family experience.
The atmosphere is generally described as exciting and fun, especially during the matches. The announcer helps keep everyone informed and engaged.
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
There are vendors selling beer, wine, drinks, and some food items. However, reviews suggest the quality can be poor and prices high, with one reviewer describing a cold, inedible burger and fries.
Expect ballpark pricing, which can be quite high. One reviewer paid $22 for a disappointing burger and fries.
Bringing your own food is generally recommended due to the high prices and inconsistent quality of the vendor offerings.
Absolutely! Tailgating is a popular activity. You can pull up to the edge of the field, set up pop-up tents, and enjoy your own food and drinks.
Vendors typically sell beer, wine, and other assorted drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The polo field itself offers dynamic action shots. The beautifully designed grounds and the opening ceremony also provide great photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. Capturing the speed of the horses, the skill of the riders, and the excitement of the game makes for great shots.
While not explicitly stated, standard event guidelines usually apply. Avoid using flash photography that might disturb the horses or players.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing close-ups of the action from a distance. A wider lens can be good for capturing the overall atmosphere and the beautiful grounds.
Searching on Instagram and TikTok with hashtags like #eldoradopoloclub or #poloclub can reveal many user-generated photos and videos, giving you an idea of the best angles and moments to capture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider arriving early to secure a good spot for tailgating, which offers a relaxed environment for families. The engaging commentary from the announcer can help keep younger audiences interested and informed about the game. Ensure you check the schedule for match times that best suit your children's energy levels.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider biking in if feasible, as this has been noted as a potentially cheaper entry option. While the club offers amenities, focusing on bringing your own essentials will stretch your budget further and allow you to enjoy the matches without overspending.
couples
Enjoy the thrill of the sport together, perhaps with a bit of friendly betting on your favorite team. The beautiful desert setting and the elegance of the sport make for a memorable outing. Arriving early allows for a relaxed start to your day, enjoying the ambiance before the match begins.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Polo Etiquette and Gameplay
During the match, spectators can enjoy the athleticism of the horses and the strategic play of the riders. It's a dynamic sport where quick reflexes and teamwork are crucial. The energy of the crowd, combined with the thundering hooves and the crack of the mallet, creates a thrilling experience.
While the game itself is the main draw, understanding basic rules can enhance your enjoyment. For instance, players have specific rights of way, and fouls can result in penalties. The announcer's commentary is invaluable for grasping these nuances and appreciating the flow of the game.
The Tailgating Tradition
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages, making it a cost-effective and customizable option compared to on-site vendors. This allows for a diverse range of culinary delights, from simple snacks to elaborate spreads. The ability to pull your vehicle up to the edge of the field enhances the convenience of this setup.
While the club offers food and drink vendors, reviews consistently suggest that bringing your own provisions is the preferred method for a satisfying experience. The tailgate area provides a fantastic opportunity to soak in the desert atmosphere while enjoying world-class polo.
Navigating Entrance Fees and Value
When considering the value, it's helpful to weigh the entrance fee against the overall experience. Many visitors find the polo matches themselves to be a great experience, especially with the engaging commentary. However, the cost of on-site food and drinks can add up quickly, leading many to opt for the tailgating approach.
For those looking to maximize value, carpooling or biking in can significantly reduce costs. Researching the specific fee structure for the date of your visit and comparing it to the cost of bringing your own food and drinks will help in making an informed decision about the best way to enjoy your day at the club.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit