The sport of kings will make its return to the Commons this September in Niagara-on-the-Lake, with tickets for the Niagara Polo event going on sale Tuesday.

The team behind the biennial charity game, which is presented by the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, announced that this year’s matches will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, with tickets on sale May 14.

Already, there’s been excitement and fervor from many in town and beyond hoping to snag a ticket or a spot in the Rotary Club lounge.

“We’ve had tons of phone calls and emails just about it,” said Amy Klassen, the museum’s director of finance. “It’s really great to see the community excitement around it.”

The feeling is mutual, she said. Niagara Polo is held every two years and made its return in 2022 after a four-year pause due to the pandemic. It is a major fundraiser for the museum.

Hundreds flocked to the historic Commons that year, with 300 seats filled in the sold-out VIP tent and 360 people seated in the Rotary lounge, plus many other general admission spectators who brought chairs and blankets to sit on at the sidelines.

“We’re really excited about it. It’s one of our favourite things to do here,” Klassen said. “It’s not something that you see in a lot of communities or a lot of towns.”

The action runs from noon to 4 p.m., with players from the Toronto Polo Club and their noble steeds taking part in two four-chukker games on the Commons.

At half-time between the two matches, spectators will get to take part in the traditional divot stomp, receiving a glass of bubbly and then stomping on the grassy field to flatten the clumps of turf churned up by the horses’ hooves.

This year, a new band will also be out on the field to deliver a half-time performance.

Other activities happening on the field throughout the afternoon will include pony rides for the children, a silent auction during half-time, a competition for the best fancy hat (with two $100 prizes up for grabs) and a showcase of vintage and performance cars.

Early-bird general admission tickets are $20 each, with the price rising to $25 on Aug. 20.

For seating in the Rotary lounge, one table for six guests is $300, with 60 tables available this year.

Also new for 2024, the field-side lounge will be covered by a large tent instead of red and yellow umbrellas, to provide extra coverage from the sun.

Guests in the Rotary lounge are asked to bring their own picnic lunch or they can purchase food from the field-side vendors (as can all attendees). Wine will be available to pre-order.

Over at the field-side marquee, there’s the VIP dining area, where guests can share an elegant table of eight and will be served a gourmet lunch with local wines and craft beer provided.

Those interested in reserving a VIP table are asked to contact Klassen at aklassen@nhsm.ca or by calling 905-468-3912.

General admission spectators are advised to bring portable chairs and blankets for seating.

Admission is free for spectators 18 and under. Free parking will be available.

The gates will open at 11 a.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit niagarapolo.com.