The Tradition Returns

17th Annual Pacers and Polo and VIP Hospitality Tent

Aiken, SC (03/08/2022) — Pacers and Polo returns to Aiken this spring after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. This annual community event, hosted by alumni, donors, and friends of the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) in partnership with the Aiken Polo Club, serves as the third jewel of Aiken's triple crown, which began in 1971. The event features an opening ceremony, six seven-minute chukkers, a 20-minute intermission, and an awards ceremony at the end of the match. It is also a significant fundraiser for USC Aiken athletic scholarships.

Pacers and Polo will be held on Saturday, April 2, at the Powderhouse Polo Field at 820 Powderhouse Rd SE in Aiken. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. The event starts at 1:00 p.m. In the event of rain, the event will be rescheduled for Sunday, April 3.

Mary Driscoll, vice chancellor for advancement and external affairs at USC Aiken, expressed her excitement at the event's return. "We are thrilled that Pacers and Polo is back this year and have incorporated it into our 60th-anniversary celebrations. We remain grateful for our longtime partnership with the Aiken Polo Club and their president Charlie Bostwick."

Various ticket options are available.

VIP Hospitality Tent Tickets may be purchased by calling the USC Aiken Office of Advancement at 803-641-3518. Tickets are $75 if purchased before Friday, March 23 ($90 after March 23). VIP admission parking is included. Join Chancellor Daniel Heimmermann in the VIP tent and enjoy catered lunch, complimentary beverages, an open bar, silent auction, admission to the event, a program, railside VIP viewing and seating, the Winner's Circle, and a complimentary photograph of you and/or your group. Lunch will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m., and the silent auction will be from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. White Rose Eclectics is sponsoring a hat contest for guests and will have items available for purchase in the VIP Tent.

Guests should note that a photo ID will be required for alcohol consumption, and the bar will close after the fifth chukker. A VIP ticket is valid for one admission only and will be exchanged for a wristband upon entry to the VIP tent. A ticket is required for every entrant regardless of age. No pets, baby strollers, or smoking are permitted in the VIP tent area.

General Admission Tickets may be purchased by calling the USC Aiken Athletic Department at 803-641-3486 or 803-641-3331 or the locations listed below. Tickets purchased before the event are $8/adults; $5/children. Children 6 and younger are admitted at no charge. Tickets purchased at the event are $10/adults; $5/children. Children 6 and younger are admitted at no charge. General admission parking is $5/car and includes one souvenir program per car.

General Admission tickets can be purchased at:

All Star Tents and Events: 176 Bettis Academy Rd., Graniteville, SC 29829

H. Odell Weeks Activity Center: 1700 Whiskey Rd., Aiken, SC 29803

Lionel Smith, LTD: 132 Laurens Street, Aiken, SC 29801

USC Aiken Athletics Department: 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville, SC 29829

Reserved First Row Parking is $115/car and includes four general admission tickets and programs. To reserve a railside parking space, call the USC Aiken Athletic Department at 803-641-3331.

Sponsorships

All sponsors will receive access to the VIP tent, brunch, refreshments, access to ring-side seating, VIP pictures, and the Alumni Silent Auction. For more information, contact Robin Callicott at RobinC@usca.edu or 803-641-3342 or Mary Driscoll at MaryD@usca.edu or 803-641-3448. See below for sponsorship levels.

Team Sponsor: $2,500

Includes: 12 VIP tickets, full-page ad in the program, two reserved tables with one bottle of chilled champagne, announcements throughout the game, and banner signage display (sponsor's responsibility)

VIP Tent Sponsor/Best Pony/Car Sponsor: $1,000

Includes: 6 VIP tickets, 1/2 page ad in the program, announcements at the game, banner signage display (sponsor's responsibility)

Chukker Sponsor: $750

Includes: 4 VIP tickets, 1/4 page ad, and banner signage display (sponsor's responsibility)

Corporate Sponsor: $500

Includes 2 VIP tickets and banner signage (sponsor's responsibility)

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