CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION WELCOMES THE VEUVE CLICQUOT POLO
CLASSIC BACK TO LIBERTY STATE PARK FOR A THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR
 STAR-STUDDED INTERNATIONAL EVENT TO BENEFIT COMMUNITY FOOD KITCHEN

(14/P47) TRENTON – The seventh annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic will return for a third straight year to scenic Liberty State Park in Jersey City on May 31, mixing sport, style and celebrity with the spectacular backdrop of the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline.

The event will be held rain or shine in the “green ring’’ at Liberty State Park. Nearly, 7,000 spectators are expected at New Jersey’s most-visited state park to watch some of the world’s best polo players compete.

This year’s event will benefit City Harvest, a charitable organization committed to feeding New York’s hungry men, women and children for more than 30 years. The 2013 Polo Classic was held in support of Liberty State Park, to help in its restoration after it sustained significant damage during Superstorm Sandy.

“Governor Christie and I are delighted that Veuve Clicquot has decided to return to Liberty State Park for its annual Polo Classic,’’ said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. “This event will allow us to showcase the great strides we have made to repair and restore this great park following Sandy, to show that it is an ideal location and fitting destination for all types of major events.’’

“We encourage New Jersey residents and persons from other states to come here and visit Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, New Jersey’s 9/11 Memorial, the Liberty Science Center, or just take in the incredible views of New York’s skyline and enjoy our park,’’ added Commissioner Martin.

“We are delighted to bring the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic back for a seventh year, and are so pleased to have City Harvest as our event beneficiary,” said Vanessa Kay, President of Veuve Clicquot U.S. “The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is a tradition, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of event loyalists back for the seventh year for a stylish day of fun, polo and, of course, champagne.”

Tickets for the age 21 and over event, sold out quickly. But Veuve Clicquot is giving away 35 pairs of tickets through a sweepstakes on its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/veuveclicquot.
All guests attending the event must arrive via ferry or Light Rail –as indicated on their tickets -- as no parking will be provided onsite. All guests must have pre-purchased tickets.

In addition to a donation to the DEP for use in park restoration, Veuve Clicquot will pay a user fee to the state, pay for State Park Police coverage at the event and upgrade the green ring field.   
Liberty State Park will remain open during this event. All areas outside of the polo grounds will be available to the public, as usual.
 
In November 2011, Governor Chris Christie announced the state’s Sustainable Parks Plan designed to keep all 39 of New Jersey’s state parks open, to provide affordable recreation to state residents. Components of the plan, which the Governor announced at Liberty State Park, include enhancing and expanding park programs, facilities and amenities to generate more visitors and revenues that can make the parks more financially self-sustaining.

Bringing a variety of events and attractions, like the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, to Liberty State Park is part of the DEP’s overall strategy.

Since taking office, Governor Christie has made strategic efforts to ensure New Jersey continues to be a leading destination for sports and entertainment events. Superbowl XLVIII was held in New Jersey in February, and Liberty State Park was the venue for the official Super Bowl Kickoff Event which featured performances by Daughtry, the Goo Goo Dolls and The Fray.

Liberty State Park consists of 1,200 acres, with wildlife habitats, open water, fields, nature trails, bike paths, picnic areas and the two-mile Hudson River walkway, known as Liberty Walk. For the past 16 months, Liberty staff and teams of state parks employees have worked hard to repair damage caused by Superstorm Sandy. As a result, most of the park is now open.

The iconic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal Building, the launch point into America for millions of immigrants, sustained serious water damage. Exterior repairs are now being underway and work is expected to start this spring on restoring the interior of the building.

For more information on Liberty State Park visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/liberty.html

For more information and tickets for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, visit: http://www.vcpoloclassic.com/

MEDIA: For additional event information, b-roll and/or still images of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic or to arrange an interview with participating Veuve Clicquot representatives or Nacho Figueras, please go to www.vcpoloclassic.comor contact clicquot@laforce-stevens.com. For background on Liberty State Park, please contact the DEP Press Office at numbers listed above.