The Ladies Army 8 Championships (a tournament of the World Women’s Open Hardcourt Bike Polo) will be held Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5 at the Instituto Tecnologico de Zapopan.

This is the first time that an Ladies Army 8 event has been held outside the United States.

Bike polo is similar to regular polo, but played on bicycles. It was invented by Irishman Richard J. Mecredy in 1891 and was an Olympic Games sport as early as 1908. In the 1930s it became the rage in Great Britain, where regional leagues were established. After World War II, the sport declined in popularity, but eventually resurged and a world championship was held in 1996 in the United States. The sport really bounced back in Seattle around 2000 when it became the hobby of bike messengers in their free time. Currently the hard court version of the game is played in more than 40 countries. Teams consist of three players, who hit a ball with a mallet to score goals. 

Some 96 players from 15 countries will compete in the Ladies Army 8 this weekend. Friday games are played from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday’s eliminatory rounds begin at 8 a.m., with the closing ceremony following the finals at 8 p.m. On Sunday a co-ed event begins at 11 a.m. and finishes with awards at 6 p.m. The Tecnologico court is at Camino Arenero 1101, Colonia El Bajio in Zapopan.

The event is free for both players and spectators. Those interested in the sport can join a local league, of which there are three: Careyes, Zapopan and BiciPolo Tapatio. 

A wrap-up party for the Ladies Army 8 takes place at the Café Andre Breton in downtown Guadalajara on Saturday, June 4, from 10 p.m. The Tenampa Brass Band and a DJ will provide the music. There is secure bicycle parking available at the café, located at Juan Manuel 175. 

Monday, the athletes head to Careyes to enjoy the beach.

For more information, see facebook/laidesarmy8. Visiting players are staying at Hospedarte hostels throughout the city.