Tag: Waste Management Phoenix Open

The Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community pumped $389 million into Arizona’s economy, according to an economic impact study released by the Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business. This figure was calculated using the IMPLAN economic assessment software.

The study focused on estimating direct spending by out-of-town visitors and organizations in Phoenix in 2017 and indirect and induced impacts. The 99,887 non-resident attendees spent an average $393 daily, totaling $140 million.

The Thunderbirds, the PGA TOUR and others associated with the tournament injected an additional $63.1 million.

– Chance Cozby, 2019 Tournament Chairman

When the Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community begins, it will do so as the largest zero-waste event in the world. Since 2013, all tournament waste – nearly 5 million pounds – has either been recycled, composted, reused, donated or used to create energy.

In addition, in recent years, the tournament enhanced water conservation efforts through additional grey water collection points, and it is now powered with 100% renewable energy.

As a result, the Golf Environment Organization has recognized the Waste Management Phoenix Open as GEO Certified®. It’s the first tournament worldwide to attain this status.

– Janette Micelli, Waste Management

Last month, the PGA TOUR named the 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community, which was won by Gary Woodland in a playoff, as its “Tournament of the Year.”

Held at TPC Scottsdale and known for its iconic coliseum-style 16th hole, the Waste Management Phoenix Open continued to shatter attendance records last year, with the 2018 event drawing a weekly total of 720,000 fans, nearly 63,000 more than the previous year. As fan numbers increased, so did charitable impact, with the 2018 event raising a record $12.2 million for local charities.

– Chance Cozby, 2019 Tournament Chairman

The Waste Management Phoenix Open Annexus Pro-Am will tee off on Jan. 31 at 8:30 a.m. on the TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course and feature celebrities, golfers and athletes including Emmitt Smith, Michael Phelps, Patrick Peterson, Justin Verlander, Greg Maddux, Jake Owen and Golden Tate.

Immediately following the Pro-Am, the Phoenix Suns Charities Shot at Glory will take place on the famous 16th hole. This unique closest-to-the-pin contest is a friendly competition featuring contestants made up of celebrities, business leaders and Wounded Warriors. Past winners include Tim Tebow, Alice Cooper and Dierks Bentley.

– Tim Woods, 2019 Assistant Tournament Chairman

This year, the Coors Light Birds Nest will boast 12 musical acts spanning multiple genres from country to hip-hop, pop and EDM during its four-night music festival, which runs Wednesday through Saturday during tournament week.

• Wednesday features country stars Old Dominion, Midland and Brandon Lay.

• Thursday will also feature a country theme with Jake Owen, Lee Brice and Michael Ray.

• Friday will feature The Chainsmokers and Snoop Dogg with Kelley James.

• Closing out the event Saturday will be Martin Garrix, DJ Vice and Justin Mylo.

General admission tickets start at $65 each. VIP tickets start at $250 each.

– Michael Golding, Coors Light Birds Nest Chairman

Many of the PGA TOUR’s biggest stars are set to take the field at the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community, including fan favorite Phil Mickelson.

Arizona State University alum Mickelson has won three tournament titles and is the all-time leading money winner in tournament history. He’ll be making his record 30th tournament appearance.

Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler will also compete, while Gary Woodland looks to defend his 2018 title. Other notable players include two-time champion Hideki Matsuyama, Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, Webb Simpson, Tony Finau, Matt Kuchar and Billy Horschel.

– Chance Cozby, 2019 Tournament Chairman

For the fourth year, your Arizona Ford Dealers are bringing the “The People’s Open” to the people via “Ford Free Days.” Through the program, all fans will be admitted free of charge to the Waste Management Phoenix Open both Monday and Tuesday of the 2019 tournament.

On Monday, guests can watch practice rounds by PGA TOUR players as well as the Kadima.Ventures Pro-Am. On Tuesday, guests are invited to watch additional practice rounds as well as the R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day, the San Tan Ford Special Olympics Open and the PGA TOUR Wives Classic.

– Chance Cozby, 2019 Tournament Chairman

The Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community gates open at 7 a.m. For hundreds of (oft-costumed) fans, that isn’t early enough. This group, nicknamed “The Breakfast Club,” lines up at the entrance as early as 4:30 a.m. daily.

When gates open, the “Race to 16” is on as they sprint a half-mile to the famous 16th hole grandstands.

In 2018, before the third round, The Thunderbirds surprised the Breakfast Club with food, T-shirts and a DJ. Word is 2019 early birds might be in for a similar treat.

– Chance Cozby, 2019 Tournament Chairman

In 2018, for the first time ever, The Thunderbirds and the award-winning Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community eclipsed $12 million in fundraising through the tournament, raising more than $12.2 million for Arizona charities. It also marked the fourth consecutive year that record dollars were raised.

The Thunderbirds and the Waste Management Phoenix Open have raised more than $68 million for local charities since 2010 when Waste Management became the title sponsor. In its history, dating back to 1932, the tournament and Thunderbirds have raised more than $134 million for charities across Arizona.

– Carlos Sugich, Big Chief of The Thunderbirds