The biggest polo event in the world, Land Rover America’s Polo Cup, will hold its 2009 competition on May 8 and 9 at the Capitol Polo Club in Poolesville, Maryland. A portion of its scheduled activities has been announced officially, and tickets are now being sold at reduced special value rates.

The main match for this year’s competition will pit the United States Polo Team, co-sponsored by Land Rover, against the Australian Polo Team, sponsored by Qantas. The Australian team is led by international Polo star and captain Glen Gilmore, touted as the “highest rated Australian national at 8 goals handicap”.

The Cup is not merely an international sports event but a celebration of culture, fashion and history. The competition weekend features other activities and festivities outside of the Polo matches.

One of the guests for the event will be the U.S. Navy SEALs, who will conduct demonstrations and mingle with participants. A 5,000-gallon dive tank will be set-up onsite, and children will be allowed to play interactive games through the glass. Aside from the tank, children and their parents will also be able to experience how it feels like to fly an F-18 Super Hornet, and the Navy will bring an F-18 simulator.

Navy presence in the 2009 Land Rover America’s Cup will continue with the remembrance of The Battle of Coral Sea, a major naval battle in World War II where the combined efforts of the United States, Australia and other allied forces resulted in a defeat for Japan. A special Air Show showcasing original Warbirds and Japanese aircrafts will be conducted as well as high flying demos, military presentations and a fireworks show. There will also be onsite and interactive Air show activities for participants.

Admission is free for children, so the festivities may well be an affordable pre-summer treat for the family. Those who cannot attend the Cup may catch it on TV on May 16 and 17 on the CW Network.