A Comprehensive Guide to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic NYC

Each year, on the first Saturday of June, my favorite event of the year takes place – the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic NYC! From the polo match to the champagne, seeing friends old and new, this bubbly experience is always a blast. The annual Polo Classic is held annually at Liberty State Park – rain or shine! Furthermore, I always love that the event benefits Friends of Liberty State Park. 

In the past, I’ve attended multiple Veuve Clicquot Polo Classics in both Los Angeles and New York. In 2020, we attended virtually and held an at-home champagne toast with our friends Megan and Jon. Best of all, the event returns to NYC this year after not having occurred in-person since 2019. To note, they were able to host the LA Polo Classic back in 2021, as I think the local pandemic data at the time allowed the event to occur.

When is the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic?

It was just announced that the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic will be on June 3rd, 2023 at Liberty State Park. As in most years past, the event will be on the first Saturday in June.

Best Advice for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic NYC

After attending the NYC event for a handful of years, I wanted to compile a quick guide for attending the event. Granted, if you’re a spontaneous soul, simply get your tickets, arrive on time, drink lots of champagne, and have a blast! If you’re a planner like me, be sure to read this guide to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic NYC!

Ticket Options for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

It was announced that information about tickets to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic will be available in late April 2023. There are three different ticket options for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic NYC – Rosé Garden, Early Access, and General Admission. Tickets typically range in price from $90-$475. Early Access and General Admission tend to sell out quickly. Rosé Garden tickets are at a higher rate, but I think they’re worth it! In 2019, I was shocked to see that the ticket prices are actually more inexpensive than previous years. Therefore, if you’ve been thinking about attending – do not hesitate! Please note once you buy the tickets, all sales are final.

General Admission Tickets

The ticket type totally depends on what kind of experience (and photos) that you’d like to get. General Admission (GA) is a fun, lively area with a big crowd. There are plenty of photo opps in the GA area. Cute signage and Veuve Clicquot branded-decor are everywhere.

You’ll have to wait for the ferry for quite awhile (hence bringing comfy shoes), but it’s fun people watching! Most General Admission goers bring their own picnic blankets and coolers with snacks. I’ve seen some really clever and cute picnic setups in the past – definitely a fun opportunity for someone who loves to be creative with their entertaining.

GA tickets get you transportation to-and-from the event and lawn seating (on a first come, first serve basis). Champagne is not included and must be purchased on-site at one of the champagne bars. They also have gourmet food trucks on-site, but I recommend bringing some of your own food to make things easier.

Rosé Garden Tickets

The Rosé Garden has tables and chairs set up for guests, and the entire area features pretty pink hues. They typically have cute floral walls of with Veuve Clicquot-branded signage (positively adorable). This particular ticket type gets you one pre-purchased bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé, an individual gourmet lunchbox, and priority boarding to-and-from the event on the ferry. Best of all, there are amazing views of the polo match. If you’re open to splurging, Rosé Garden tickets are worth every penny. Security is strictly enforced on-site, so you can only enter the Rosé Garden with that respective wristband.

Lastly, there is a special VIP section that’s adjacent to the Rosé Garden for celebs and other invited guests. Sadly, there is not a purchasable ticket for this area. Just giving you a warning since you’ll see photos in an entirely different (and super swanky) area of the event, and you’ll and be like, “wait, where is that?!?” That was my reaction my first year of attendance! See a few highlights of the VIP section from last fall’s Polo Classic Los Angeles here!

Weather Forecast for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

Keep in mind, the event takes place rain or shine! The forecast can be anywhere from 70’s and cloudy to bright sun with temps in the upper 80s. However, there’s always a slight chance for rain in early June! Even if it rains earlier in the week, plan for the park grounds to be damp on Saturday morning. In 2018, showers were predicted for the event, and it miraculously cleared that morning – here’s hoping for another lucky year! If you’re looking for a chic umbrella to bring along, I found a few options below!

How to Get to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

The event takes place at Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Sadly, they do not allow anyone to park or take an Uber to get to the destination. The only way the event allows ticket holders to arrive is via their chartered ferries so, in the end, you have to take it.

If you’re departing from New York, the ferry departs from / returns to Manhattan from Battery Park. For those in New Jersey there’s a shuttle accessible at the Liberty Science Center. My advice? Get there early! The line is no joke (even for the Rosé Garden ticket holders). Better to be among the first to arrive at Liberty State Park and have time to kill than be stuck in line for a ferry at Battery Park for most of the morning. Even if you do get stuck in a long line, the people watching is so good!

What Shoes to Wear to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

First things first, leave those stilettos at home. My first year, I saw a few women wearing this exact pair of heels, and I silently weeped for their poor feet! The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic New York is almost entirely on grass, so pin thin heels are a horrible idea. I always see so many women wincing in pain for hours on end! Once you get off of the ferry, there’s a 15-20 minute walk to the festivities, so comfortable sandals, flats, or low wedges are a must. You’ll thank me later! I’m most likely going to wear a low sandal or my favorite espadrilles.  

Regardless of weather, I recommend bringing a plenty of sunscreen and perhaps a sun hat. No amount of champagne is worth your skin getting scorched by the sun! They sell adorable Veuve Clicquot-branded umbrellas on-site, but they’re super expensive. They do an amazing job of providing sun coverage in the Rosé Garden via table umbrellas and the like, so a sunscreen should suffice if you have that ticket type. Also, bring a larger purse or cute tote in order to carry your flats, snacks, sunscreen and more. In years’ past, I would typically bring a small clutch for the essentials, and we had a separate small picnic basket for food and extras.

In terms of attire, everyone dresses to the nines! It’s a great opportunity to be bold and have fun with your sartorial choices. Find a few polo-ready options in the scroll below!

Packing List for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

Over the years, I’ve seen people bring orange juice to create mimosas in the morning (brilliant!). A friendly reminder: outside alcohol is not permitted. One of the best parts of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is that it’s an all-day event. With that being said, have plenty to eat and stay hydrated during the event to ensure the bubbly won’t go to your head too quickly!

Are you attending the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic? Have a blast, be safe, and please drink responsibly! See you there! Lastly, I found this fun video featuring the home of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic: Liberty State Park!