Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of the first PGA golf events of the calendar year. It was known as the FBR Open from 2004 to 2009, and prior to 2004 it was called The Phoenix Open. The tournament is now known as “The Greatest Show on Grass.”
Waste Management Phoenix Open is the most attended golf tournament in the world each year. Usually around half a million spectators attend this event. Since 1932, the Phoenix Open has raised more than $ 111 million for charities in Arizona.
Due to the layout of the course and parking, this event is never sold out. Anyone who wants to attend can go. Why is it so popular? Could it be because of the location in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona? Could it be because the weather is usually wonderful and sunny? Could it be because the best golfers in the world are coming to play at this prestigious event? The answers are yes, yes and yes.
Waste Management Phoenix Open Dates
Here is the event schedule for the entire tournament.
Will the tournament be televised?
Yes. The first two rounds (Thursday and Friday) are generally televised live in Phoenix on The Golf Channel in the afternoon, then rounds three and four (Saturday and Sunday) are televised on The Golf Channel in the morning and on CBS on the afternoon.
Cool things to know
- The entire course will be a giant hot spot with free wi-fi.
- This event is never sold out.
- Yes, there is an app for that. You can download the Waste Management Phoenix Open app to get descriptions of each hole, maps, and score updates. There is also a separate app for the Coors Light Birds Nest.
- Waste Management will continue the “Zero Waste Challenge” with 6,000 recycling and composting bins and three 40-yard trash bins transformed to become interactive Zero Waste stations with staff.
- New security procedures for all PGA events began in 2014. Opaque (non-transparent) bags must not exceed 6 “x 6” x 6 “. Clear bags, plastic, vinyl, or other transportation items must not exceed 12 “x 6” x 12 “. Approved clear plastic bags will be provided at the entrance and at the shuttle drop-off points. No backpacks, no wallets, no binocular cases.
- On Saturday, everyone is invited to participate in the annual GREEN OUT. Players, caddies and fans are encouraged to wear green to show their support for the environment and the community. For every person who wears green on Saturday, a donation will be made to three non-profit organizations with a focus on sustainability.
- TPC Scottsdale is a public facility owned by the City of Scottsdale and is comprised of two 18-hole par 71 championship courses designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish. The Desert Course at TPC Scottsdale was redesigned in 2007 and renamed the Champions Course. The Phoenix Open has played at Course Stadium since 1987, which was designed for this PGA tour event. Each year, the Course Stadium at TPC Scottsdale is ranked as one of the best courses in the State of Arizona and in the country. Both are in the beautiful setting of the Sonoran Desert, with the McDowell Mountains in the background. Typical of a desert course, there are cacti and mesquite. An extensive renovation of the golf course and TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium clubhouse was completed in 2014.
- One of the most interesting holes on the stadium field is number 15. It is 552 yards from the championship jerseys. The water along the left and the bunkers along the right lead you to a green island. Another memorable hole is number 16. It’s that infamous par three. Were you there the day Tiger Woods hit his hole in one in that hole? I was!
- You can see a score card and design for each hole, compliments of The Tournament Players Club.
Where to stay
- If you’re visiting out of town, here are some recommendations for nearby hotels.
- Check here if you prefer to try to find a vacation rental.
Tickets to the Phoenix Open
The Phoenix Open is never sold out and tickets will be available at the TPC door during tournament week. They can be purchased at the event or in advance through Ticketmaster.com. There are also ticket packages that are a good value for people who will be attending multiple days of the event. Here is the detailed information of the ticket. Children under 17 years old are free when accompanied by an adult.
Arizona servicemen and first responders (along with a guest) are admitted free with official identification. Register here for free tickets.
Looking for seats on the infamous 16th hole? Here are those details.
How to get to TPC Scottsdale and where to park
TPC is in North Scottsdale, right next to the Fairmont Scottsdale Resort. Here are directions and a map. This location is NOT on the Valley Metro Light Rail route. You will have to drive or hire a driver. Leave a lot of time. The Arizona Department of Transportation generally provides detailed information about the motorist, including travel or road restrictions. Call 5-1-1, then * 7. The call is free.
If you do not have a reserved parking pass, you can assume that you will park in an off-premises lot and take a shuttle to the event. Parking is free and so are transfers. The ferries run frequently. There will be thousands of cars there, so don’t forget where you parked and which bus to take to get back to your car! The parking, transportation, and entry process can add 30 minutes or more to your travel time, so if you’re trying to get to a certain tee box to watch your favorite player play at a particular time, keep that in mind.
Free public parking is available at Loop 101 and Hayden Road. Free public parking is also available Wednesday through Saturday at WestWorld located at 94th Street and Bell Road. Handicap parking is located directly in front of the main tournament entrance. Here is a map of the general lots and the lots for pass holders.
What can you bring with you?
There are restrictions on what you can bring to TPC Scottsdale, so check the rules before packing your backpack. These security policies are in effect for all PGA events. Aside from the obvious, and bags larger than 6 “x 6” x 6 “must be clear / see-through. You can bring folding or camping chairs, but not the bags.
In 2012, the restriction on mobile devices such as cell phones was lifted. They must be set to silent mode at all times. There will be designated areas where people can use their phones.
In 2018 the restriction on the use of phone cameras was lifted. Mute the sound of the camera clicking.
What should you take with you?
If you expect a sunny day, bring water, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A temperature of 70 degrees sounds perfect, but it can get very hot in the sun. Dress comfortably and wear walking shoes – you won’t always be walking on concrete paths. If you are the type of spectator who likes to find a great spot on a particular hole and stay there all day to watch all the golfers go by, bring a blanket or low chairs (leave the saddle bags in the car ) and rest.
After Golf: Music and Dancing in the Bird’s Nest
Each year at the Waste Management Phoenix Open you will witness record crowds of people enjoying the sun, Scottsdale, and watching professional golfers play at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. When the day’s golf activities subside, and you’re looking for a place to mingle, Birds Nest is the place to go. The Birds Nest features valley bands, food, and drinks. It’s the golf party of the year!
Location: 82nd Street and Bell Road, Scottsdale (northwest corner)
Hours: 3:30 pm to 10:30 pm, from Wednesday to Saturday, with entertainment on the main stage starting at 6:30 pm It closes at 10:30 pm
Parking buses will operate until 11 pm on nights the Bird’s Nest is open.
General admission tickets are available in advance through Ticketmaster.com. They can also be purchased at the Birds Nest box office and at the Birds Nest ticket booths located at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Tickets sold on the day of the show may be priced higher and are subject to availability. You must be at least 21 years old to enter.
Ticketmaster.com may offer resale tickets (at a higher price) through its ticket exchange, Tickets.now.com. You may be able to buy tickets from resellers / ticket exchanges. Note: beware of fake entries!
Do you need more info?
Visit the official Birds Nes t website.
All event information, prices and schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
