Located right in our backyard, the WM Phoenix Open is the event of the season with the best music and entertainment,…and of course golf! Scottsdale comes to life every February and the tournament’s impact on the community is huge. The Waste Management Phoenix Open, also known as “The People’s Open”, is a can’t-miss event happening and so it’s only fitting that our team takes the “hard part” out of finding all the information you need in one place about this popular event!
What to Expect at the Phoenix Open
The WM Phoenix Open is unlike any other golf tournament and kicks off the year with a fun action-packed calendar. The world’s top professional golfers compete and some of the world’s most recognized people fly to Scottsdale to take part in the festivities. WM is famous for holes 16, 18 and 19, which feature exclusive skybox seating – an ideal setting for corporate opportunities. The 16th hole is also known for being the loudest hole in golf thanks to Tiger Woods famous hole in one in 1997. This hole is surrounded by grandstands and allows for fan interaction, making it “the most exciting hole in golf”.
Ticket prices vary, as Monday and Tuesday you can go for free (General Admission Only) and then tickets can vary from $75 to thousands based on the package you purchase and where your seats are located. Review the below for a brief summary of daily events and visit WM Phoenix Open’s calendar of events for more information:
Saturday February 1st
Concert in the Coliseum
Monday February 3rd
Practice Rounds (Only for PGA Tour Pros)
Tuesday February 4th
Practice Rounds (Only for PGA Tour Pros)
Wednesday February 5th
Annexus Pro-AM (TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course)
- Starts at 8:30 am
Coors Light Birds Nest: Entertainment featuring Jelly Roll with special guest Treaty Oak Revival
Thursday February 6th
WM Open 1st Round
- Starts at 7:30 am
Coors Light Birds Nest: Entertainment featuring Luke Bryan with special guest Nate Smith
Friday February 7th
WM Open 2nd Round
- Starts at 7:30 am
Coors Light Birds Nest: Entertainment featuring Nickelback with special guest Josh Ross
Saturday February 8th
WM Open 3rd Round
- Starts at 9:00 am
- All day GREEN OUT (this means that anyone who wears green will elicit a donation to the WM Phoenix Open Working For Tomorrow Fund)
Coors Light Birds Nest: Entertainment featuring Tiesto with special guest GORDO
Sunday February 9th
WM Open 4th Round
- Starts at 9:00 am
Tips for Parking and Transportation
Parking is something you must plan out and consider before coming to the Phoenix Open. There is a general lot that is free to the public and a shuttle will provide access to the gates. You can review the parking map to get a better idea of the various lots available and the shuttle schedule. It is good to know that the shuttles can take up to 20 minutes.
CLICK HERE FOR PARKING MAP
Instead of parking, consider a rideshare. Uber and Lyft are a great alternative to driving and can drop you off in Lot R at 94th Street just north of Bell Road. Either way whether parking or traveling via rideshare, make sure to leave early and allow for additional time. The tournament grows every year and with the heavy traffic being planful is a smart tip!
Shhhh! (Some Insider Tips for Locals…and Visitors!)
As a premier Scottsdale advertising agency, our office is located literally minutes away from the tournament. That means that we have the inside scoop on some of the details that you may want to know prior to coming out to the tourney.
Best Times to Visit
Early mornings during the week are focused on golf and cater to a “quieter crowd”. Peak times bring a lot of visitors to the Open and a much livelier vibe. Depending on your reason to go, understanding that the night crowds and weekend crowds will be much larger may help you decide when you want to attend and which days are best.
Must-See Attractions
The 16th hole is well-known for its loud party atmosphere and the 18th hole is infamous for its luxury grandstands and astonishing views. All-inclusive suites are available for corporate hospitality and a premium experience. And don’t forget to visit merchant tents for shopping and opportunities to buy exclusive gear for the tournament, including hats, shirts, golf balls and framed prints.
Food and Drink Recommendations
There are many places within the tournament for food and drink, including restaurants, bars, food trucks and concession stands. Some restaurants and bars include Little Miss BBQ, Lifebird Grill, Zinburger, Tortas Paquime and Kiva Club. Something to note is that concessions are cashless so make sure to bring Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express. Another important note is that you cannot consume any food or beverage if you are within 10 feet of the rope line.
What to Wear
There is no “dress code” but the weather in Scottsdale in the month of February can be chilly (at least to us Arizonians!), so it is recommended to dress warm and comfortable. Cool mornings turn into sunny afternoons, so layering with a sweater or light jacket is a good idea if you plan to be at the event all day. You should also plan to walk around all day, so comfortable shoes are a good best practice! And don’t forget – Scottsdale is full of sunshine so bring a hat to protect your head and face from the sun.
The nighttime events may be a different story, as everyone knows that the Coors Light Birds Nest draws a strong entertainment crowd, which is a good time to dress fun and fashionable and break out those new boots!
WM Phoenix Open Bag Policy
There is a strict bag policy at the WM Open, so be aware of this and make sure to save yourself any unnecessary stress! No opaque bags larger than 6″ x 6″ x 6″ (including carrying cases, backpacks, camera bags, or chair bags) are permitted through the gates. No clear, plastic, vinyl, or other carry items larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ are permitted through the gates. Clear tote bags, plastic, vinyl or other carry items larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ will NOT be permitted.
Promoting a Zero-Waste Initiative
The WM Phoenix Open is proud to support sustainability and is “recognized as the largest zero-waste sporting event in the world!” The Thunderbird Charities Organization partners with the tournament to ensure that 100% of waste is diverted from landfills to recycling, composting and energy conversion. The tournament has achieved GEO Certification every year and earns international distinction for sustainability in golf. The overall commitment to balancing environmental impacts shows the dedication to minimizing harmful impact on our planet and supporting safety and health within local communities through eco-friendly practices.
Extend Your Day in Scottsdale with Some Fun After-Hour Local Favorites
Scottsdale is a top destination for exceptional dining and popular nightlife, and Old Town Scottsdale is within 15 miles of the tournament. This makes it a prime location to visit for dining, nightlife and shopping. Check out some of our suggestions if you are heading south to Old Town to experience what that area has to offer.
Popular Nightlife Spots in Old Town Scottsdale
- – Bottled Blonde
- – Casa Amigos & Sky Lanes
- – The Beverly on Main
- – Maya Day & Nightclub
- – Whiskey Row
Popular Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale
- – Cafe Monarch
- – The Mission
- – Virtu
- – Citizen Public House
- – FnB
Enjoy World-Class Golf and Local Fun
Scottsdale’s WM Phoenix Open is a unique opportunity to be a part of one of the biggest events of the year and experience a legendary local event. Plan ahead to avoid the stress of parking and transportation and dress comfortably. Make the most of your time at the Open with your friends and family! Our HardPart Media team wishes you a fun and safe experience!
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