Newport Rotary Match Attracts More Than 1,000 Viewers Days After Fire

More than 1,000 people attended Saturday's Newport Rotary Charity polo match only days following a fire that leveled the polo pavilion.

The Newport Rotary Club's annual benefit match pitted the hometeam of Newport against the Far Reach team in a classic 6-chukker dual. The final score of 13-10 resulted in a win for the Newport team.

More than 1,000 people attended the match, which raised more than $4,000 for the Newport Rotary Club. All proceeds from the event will go to the Rotary club's many charitable initiatives. 

According to Steve Smith of the Newport Rotary, Saturday's turnout was the largest in more than 15 years.

"This is the biggest crowd we've received," he said.

The match could have been canceled or postponed after Thursday morning's fire, which leveled the wooden polo pavilion at Glen Farm. The fire remains under investigation by police and the Rhode Island Fire Marshal's Office.

"The Keatings have been fantastic and so responsive to be able to host this match in only a few days after the fire. They could have easily canceled," said Smith. "It's because of their grace and charity that we are able to be here today. Many thanks to the Keatings and many thanks to the community for coming out."

The pavilion was constructed less than a year ago on Linden Lane, just past the at . The 100 by 40 foot wooden, open structure offered private seating and housed the attached , which was also leveled in the fire. 

On Saturday, a yellow "caution" tape surrounded the burnt remains of the pavilion. A small section of the pavilion, which was undamaged in the fire, was used as the announcer tower with Sophie Plowright calling the match.

According to Agnes Keating, a temporary structure will be constructed while organizers work to rebuild the pavilion.

The Newport International Polo Series will officially open its 20th season on Saturday, June 4, at 5 p.m. and will run continuously every Saturday through the rest of the summer, with an international line-up that includes Egypt, Scotland, the debut of Kenya in July, followed by teams from Ireland, Chile, Jamaica, and England and another debut, Brazil, as well as rivals from the Northeast.

For more information about the Newport International Polo Series, visit their Web site here.