The Waste Management Phoenix Open is hosted by the Ak-Chin Indian Community and the Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds are a philanthropic group founded in 1937, at the TPC Scottsdale golf course. The open continues to grow year after year as one of the most popular stops on the PGA Tour, bringing in thousands of people every year and having a huge economic impact on the Valley, especially Scottsdale.
In 2018 the open drew more than 700,000 visitors to the Valley, pumping in about $390 million dollars into Arizona’s economy. A study by the Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business estimated direct spending by out-of-town visitors was an average of $393 daily. The open has contributed over $12.2 million in charity, with donations to more than 200 different organizations and community improvement projects throughout the year. Another huge aspect of the open is their goal for zero waste and sustainability.
2018 the tournament received the highest international award from Scottsdale based GEO Foundation for sustainability in golf for its efforts to “balance environmental impacts, conserve natural resources and benefit the local community,” according to a press release.
Changes for 2020 include a number of suites at different venues along the 16th, 17th and 18th holes. 60 suites are being added along the 18th hole in a double-decker, acrum-style structure. Packages for these suites start at $46,000. At hole 16 the four Loge suites will include access to an exclusive bar called the Aces Lounge with prices for those seats starting at $155,000.
Don’t let these ticket prices scare you, general admission ranges from $45 – $60 depending on your attendance day. The Phoenix Open is held at TPC Scottsdale Jan. 27 through Feb. 2 and is commonly called the greatest show on grass, why wouldn’t you want to come to Scottsdale during this beautiful time of the year.
