Dozens of bike polo teams gear for action in Washington Park

The champagne of sports on turf turns into the PBR of sports on the hard-court in Milwaukee this weekend.

Forty-two teams from across the U.S. will compete in the Midwest Bike Polo Open, hosted by the 2010 world champion Milwaukee Bike Polo Club.

Matches will be contested Saturday and Sunday on three courts set up in Washington Park, roughly W. Vliet St. and N. 40th St. The preliminary rounds on Saturday will winnow the field for the double-elimination action on Sunday, leading to the crowning of a Midwest champion.

The lineup includes squads from Seattle, Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland, Winnipeg and the Twin Cities.

"Top-caliber teams want to come here to our home court and try to knock us off," said Jake Newborn, captain of the Milwaukee club.

Spectating and heckling are free both days.

"It's an exciting sport to watch," Newborn said. "There's hockey-like aggression and contact, with skilled bike riding."

Check out the video from the 2009 spring tournament to get a taste.