Experience golf’s greatest party at the world’s most attended tournament – just minutes from your Scottsdale vacation rental
What Makes the WM Phoenix Open Special?
The WM Phoenix Open 2026 isn’t just another golf tournament—it’s a week-long celebration that transforms Scottsdale into the epicenter of sports entertainment. The five-day attendance of the tournament is usually around a half million, the best-attended event in golf. In 2016, it set a PGA Tour and Phoenix Open single-day attendance record with 201,003 fans on Saturday, February 6, and a tournament week attendance record of 618,365 fans.
Whether you’re staying in our luxury vacation rental or visiting the greater Phoenix area, this iconic event offers an unforgettable experience that combines world-class golf, A-list entertainment, and unparalleled community spirit.
Quick Facts About the 2026 WM Phoenix Open
- Dates: February 2-8, 2026
- Location: TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course
- Attendance: More than 700,000 fans in attendance
- Distance from most Scottsdale rentals: 15-20 minutes
- Charitable impact: Over $226 million raised to date
The Famous 16th Hole: Golf’s Loudest Stadium
“The Coliseum” Experience
The tournament’s crown jewel is the legendary 16th hole, nicknamed “The Coliseum.” This par-3, 162-yard hole is surrounded by a temporary 20,000-seat grandstand that creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in professional golf.
What makes the 16th hole legendary:
- Crowd participation: Fans cheer great shots and playfully boo poor ones
- Hole-in-one celebrations: When players ace this hole, the crowd erupts, with beverages and objects tossed in celebration
- Celebrity moments: Tiger Woods (1997), Jarrod Lyle (2011), and Sam Ryder (2022) have all made holes-in-one here during Saturday rounds
Pro Tips for 16th Hole Spectators:
- Arrive early to secure the best seats
- Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated
- Embrace the party atmosphere—it’s all part of the experience
- Consider general admission tickets for flexibility to move around
Entertainment Beyond Golf: The Coors Light Birds Nest
Arizona’s Hottest Concert Series
The Coors Light Birds Nest has become synonymous with the WM Phoenix Open, featuring four nights of world-class entertainment. Here’s how to see Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Jelly Roll, Luke Bryan and other concerts at the Coors Light Birds Nest at TPC Scottsdale.
2026 Artists Announced:
- Bailey Zimmerman (Opening Night)
- Zach Top (Thursday Night)
- Additional headliners to be announced
Concert Experience Features:
- Full bar and dining options
- VIP packages available
- Four nights of live music, food, and drinks at Scottsdale’s hottest nightclub
- Located at the Scottsdale Sports Center Complex
Sustainability: The World’s Largest Zero-Waste Event
Leading the Green Revolution in Sports
The WM Phoenix Open has revolutionized sports sustainability, earning recognition as the world’s largest zero-waste sporting event. This commitment to environmental responsibility makes attending feel good for more than just entertainment value.
Impressive Sustainability Achievements:
- Zero waste to landfills for three consecutive years
- 100% tournament waste diverted from landfills
- Water reuse programs throughout the event
- 100% renewable energy for course operations
- Winner of the PGA TOUR’s “Best Title Sponsor Integration Award”
What This Means for Visitors:
- Enhanced recycling stations throughout the venue
- Sustainable dining and merchandise options
- Educational opportunities about environmental stewardship
- Part of the UN Sports for Climate Action framework
Tournament History and Records
A Legacy Dating Back to 1932
The Phoenix Open has a rich 93-year history, evolving from a local Arizona tournament to one of golf’s premier events. The tournament has been held at TPC Scottsdale since 1987, where it found its permanent home and developed its unique character.
Notable Records:
- Lowest 72-hole score: 256 (-28) by Mark Calcavecchia (2001) and Phil Mickelson (2013)
- Course record: 60 (-11) achieved by multiple players
- Most charitable funds raised: $18.1 million in 2025 (tournament record)
- Total charitable giving: Over $226 million in tournament history
Recent Champions:
- 2025: Thomas Detry (Belgium) – First Belgian PGA Tour winner
- 2024: Nick Taylor (Canada)
- 2023: Scottie Scheffler (USA) – $3.6 million winner’s share
Planning Your WM Phoenix Open Experience
Accommodation Strategy
Why Choose a Vacation Rental:
- Privacy and space for groups attending together
- Kitchen facilities for pre-tournament meals and snacks
- Pool and outdoor areas to relax between tournament days
- Cost-effective for multi-day stays
- Local experience in Scottsdale neighborhoods
Best Days to Attend:
- Thursday-Friday: More relaxed atmosphere, easier parking
- Saturday: Peak energy, record crowds, prime 16th hole experience
- Sunday: Final round drama, champion celebration
Transportation Tips:
- Ride sharing: Most convenient but expect surge pricing
- Tournament shuttles: Available from designated locations
- Walking/biking: Many rentals are within walking distance
- Designated driver: Plan ahead for evening entertainment
Ticketing and Packages
2026 Ticket Options
General Admission:
- Access to most tournament areas
- Freedom to move between holes
- Standing room at 16th hole (first-come, first-served)
VIP Packages:
- Reserved seating options
- Premium hospitality areas
- Enhanced dining and beverage service
- Expedited entry
Birds Nest Concert Tickets:
- Separate tickets required for evening concerts
- VIP options include premium seating and service
- Multi-day packages available
Money-Saving Tips:
- Book early for best pricing
- Consider weekday tickets for lower costs
- Group discounts often available
- Package deals combining golf and concerts
Community Impact: More Than Just Golf
Charitable Excellence
The WM Phoenix Open stands as a model for sports philanthropy. The previous charity record was $17.5 million, set in 2024. The 2025 tournament shattered this record, raising $18.1 million for Arizona charities.
Beneficiary Organizations:
- Children and family support services
- Emergency services and first responders
- Local education initiatives
- Community health programs
- Special Olympics activities in Phoenix
Economic Impact:
- $400+ million estimated annual economic impact
- Thousands of temporary jobs created
- Significant boost to local hospitality and tourism
- International media exposure for Arizona
Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
What to Bring:
- ✅ Sunscreen and hat (February desert sun is strong)
- ✅ Comfortable walking shoes
- ✅ Camera (smartphones allowed)
- ✅ Reusable water bottle
- ✅ Cash for vendors and tips
What NOT to Bring:
- ❌ Outside food and beverages
- ❌ Large bags or backpacks
- ❌ Professional cameras with detachable lenses
- ❌ Folding chairs
- ❌ Coolers
Best Times to Visit Different Areas:
- Morning (7-10 AM): Practice rounds, less crowded
- Midday (10 AM-2 PM): Peak tournament action
- Afternoon (2-5 PM): 16th hole atmosphere peaks
- Evening (5+ PM): Concerts and nightlife begin
Why Stay in a Scottsdale Vacation Rental
Perfect Location Advantages
Proximity Benefits:
- 15-20 minutes to TPC Scottsdale
- Walking distance to Old Town Scottsdale nightlife
- Easy access to other desert attractions
- Central to Phoenix-area activities
Group-Friendly Features:
- Multiple bedrooms for golf groups or families
- Private pools for post-tournament relaxation
- Full kitchens for meal preparation
- Outdoor spaces perfect for Arizona weather
- Parking for multiple vehicles
Enhanced Experience:
- Pre-tournament planning space for groups
- Recovery time between tournament days
- Cost savings on dining and entertainment
- Local neighborhood experience
- Flexible schedule without hotel checkout times
Beyond the Tournament: Scottsdale Activities
Complete your Arizona Experience:
Outdoor Adventures:
- Desert hiking trails (Camelback Mountain, Pinnacle Peak)
- Hot air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert
- Jeep tours and desert excursions
- Spring training baseball (February/March)
Cultural Attractions:
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
- Old Town Scottsdale galleries and shops
- Native American cultural centers
- Southwest cuisine and craft breweries
Luxury Experiences:
- World-class spas and wellness centers
- Championship golf courses beyond TPC Scottsdale
- High-end shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square
- Fine dining with stunning desert views
Book Your WM Phoenix Open Experience
Planning Timeline:
6+ Months Before:
- Secure vacation rental accommodation
- Purchase tournament tickets
- Book flights and rental cars
3 Months Before:
- Plan daily itineraries
- Make restaurant reservations
- Research transportation options
1 Month Before:
- Confirm all reservations
- Check weather forecasts
- Download tournament app
Week of Tournament:
- Prepare for crowds and excitement
- Stay flexible with daily plans
- Embrace the unique atmosphere
Conclusion: Why the WM Phoenix Open is Unmissable
The WM Phoenix Open represents everything that makes Arizona special: innovation, community spirit, environmental consciousness, and an unmatched ability to entertain. Experience the WM Phoenix Open, “The People’s Open,” featuring the most enthusiastic crowds and iconic moments in golf at the famed 16th hole Coliseum.
Whether you’re a serious golf fan, entertainment seeker, or simply someone who appreciates unique experiences, this tournament offers something extraordinary. Combined with the comfort and convenience of a Scottsdale vacation rental, you’ll have the perfect base to explore one of sports’ most distinctive events.
Ready to experience “The Greatest Show on Grass”? Start planning your 2026 WM Phoenix Open adventure today. With over 700,000 fellow fans, world-class entertainment, and the stunning Arizona desert as your backdrop, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime.
Book your Scottsdale vacation rental now and secure your spot at golf’s most exciting tournament. The 2026 WM Phoenix Open promises to be bigger, better, and more sustainable than ever before.
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