How to Watch the Argentine Open: The Polo Fan's Ultimate Guide

There are great sporting events, and then there is the Argentine Open. The **Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo** — held at the Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo, Buenos Aires — is, by most expert assessments, the best polo tournament in the world. The standard of play is unmatched anywhere on earth. The atmosphere, when the stadium reaches capacity for a final, is electric in a way that surprises even veteran polo enthusiasts who have attended major events worldwide.

If you are serious about polo, attending the Argentine Open is not optional. This guide covers everything you need. Track dates and fixtures with our [tournament tracker](/tournament-tracker) and visit the [watch polo](/watch-polo) guide for broader spectator advice.

What Is the Argentine Open?

The Argentine Open is the third leg of Argentina's **Triple Crown** — the holy grail of global polo — and takes place from **late November through December** at the Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo, Buenos Aires.

The tournament is played at **40-[goal](/glossary/goal) aggregate [handicap](/glossary/handicap)** — meaning teams of four can collectively field players with up to 40-goal combined handicap. In practice, this means teams consist of three or four 10-goal players, the maximum rating in the sport. Nowhere else on earth can you watch four teams of this calibre compete in a single tournament.

Current regular competitors include **La Dolfina** (Cambiaso's team), **Ellerstina** (the Pieres family team), **La Natividad**, and **Alegría** — the four teams that have dominated Argentine polo for two decades.

The Venue — Campo Argentino de Polo, Palermo

The Campo Argentino de Polo holds approximately **15,000 spectators** and is located in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires — a vibrant, upscale neighbourhood full of restaurants, parks, and boutiques. Getting to the ground is easy from anywhere in Buenos Aires.

The field itself is one of the finest polo surfaces in the world — maintained year-round specifically for the Argentine Open. The stadium's bleachers surround the field, with additional grass banks and standing areas creating a great atmosphere for fans who want to be close to the action.

Tickets — How to Get Them

**Qualifying matches**: Tickets are relatively accessible and affordable — expect to pay ARS 2,000–5,000 (roughly USD 5–15 at 2026 rates). These can often be purchased at the venue on match day.

**Semi-finals and Final**: These are significantly more competitive. Ticket demand for the final far exceeds supply. Options:

1. **Official AAP channels** (aapolo.com.ar) — the first place to check. Official tickets release several weeks before the tournament.

2. **Tour operators** — several Argentine polo tour specialists offer packages that include tickets to key matches. Worth the premium for guaranteed access.

3. **Hotel concierge** — for visitors staying at Palermo-area five-star hotels, concierge services often have access to ticket allocations.

**Expect to pay**: Final tickets through official channels: ARS 8,000–20,000 (USD 20–55). Premium enclosure or hospitality: significantly more.

What to Wear

The Argentine Open is a sporting event, not a fashion competition — but standard Argentines attend smartly. A reasonable guide:

**Weather note**: November–December in Buenos Aires is hot (25–35°C). Light, breathable fabrics are strongly recommended. Bring sunscreen.

Getting There and Around

**From central Buenos Aires**: The Palermo district is easily accessible by taxi, Uber, or the Buenos Aires Subte (metro). Line D stops at Palermo station, a 10-minute walk from the campo. Allow extra time for match days as the area becomes congested.

**Hotels near the venue**: The Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood neighbourhoods have excellent boutique hotels within walking distance. Recoleta is also close (15 minutes by taxi). Book well in advance — November/December is Buenos Aires's peak season.

The Experience — What to Expect

The Argentine Open atmosphere evolves through the tournament:

**Qualifying rounds**: More intimate, knowledgeable crowd. You can get right to the rail and watch at close quarters. Excellent for photography and for understanding the game in detail.

**Semi-finals**: The crowd grows and the atmosphere intensifies. Buenos Aires's polo community turns out in force.

**The Final**: The Campo fills. Families, professionals, polo aficionados, and curious visitors mix in the stands. The roar when a key goal is scored is one of sport's great sounds. Riders and horses move at speeds and skill levels that are genuinely breathtaking at close range.

Between chukkas, the infield fills with players cooling their horses — giving you a chance to see the world's best players up close in an informal setting that would be impossible at most major sporting venues.

Where to Eat and Drink

The Palermo district has Buenos Aires's best restaurant offering. For a pre-match lunch, the Palermo Hollywood area has dozens of excellent options. Post-match, the neighbourhood stays lively well into the evening — Argentine dining culture means restaurants fill from 9pm onwards.

The campo itself has food and drink concessions, and wine and cold beer are standard match accompaniments.

The Argentine Open is, for any polo enthusiast, a bucket-list experience. Plan your Buenos Aires trip around it and you will not be disappointed. See our [polo holidays](/polo-holidays) guide for recommended itineraries and our [famous polo players](/famous-players) guide to know the stars you'll be watching.