Phoenix AZ, February 3, 2026
The Waste Management Phoenix Open, Arizona’s premier golf event, showcases the vital role of Cox Business in providing essential digital infrastructure. This collaboration ensures seamless connectivity for fans and efficient operations, driving economic growth and innovation in the region. Cox Business’s advanced technology supports digital ticketing, cashless transactions, and more, illustrating how local businesses can enhance community engagement and contribute to significant economic impact.
Phoenix, AZ – Powering Phoenix: How Cox Business Connects the WM Phoenix Open
Seamless connectivity drives the nation’s best-attended PGA TOUR event, fueling local economic prosperity and showcasing private sector innovation in Arizona.
Phoenix, AZ – The Waste Management Phoenix Open stands as a testament to both athletic prowess and large-scale event management, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans annually. This iconic tournament, often dubbed “The People’s Open,” relies heavily on a robust digital infrastructure to ensure a seamless experience for spectators and efficient operations alike. At the heart of this intricate network is Cox Business, a private sector entity whose entrepreneurial spirit and investment in advanced technology enable one of the state’s most significant annual gatherings. The ability of such events to thrive, powered by local business innovation, underscores a dynamic economic environment where private enterprises play a pivotal role in fostering community engagement and driving substantial economic growth for the region and the state.
The success of major events in Phoenix, AZ, is often intertwined with the reliable infrastructure provided by companies committed to pushing technological boundaries. Cox Business’s comprehensive approach to connectivity at the WM Phoenix Open exemplifies how strategic private investment in infrastructure creates opportunities for commerce, entertainment, and communication, benefiting a broad spectrum of local businesses and enhancing the overall visitor experience. This commitment to advanced digital solutions is a key factor in positioning Phoenix as a premier destination for large-scale events, contributing significantly to Arizona’s economic vibrancy.
The Digital Backbone of a Premier Event
Cox Business serves as the primary network architect and technology backbone for the Waste Management Phoenix Open, delivering the essential infrastructure to support the best-attended event on the PGA TOUR. Nearly every fan-facing and operational system at the tournament operates on the Cox Business network. These crucial systems encompass digital ticketing, RFID wristbands for entry and age verification, fully cashless concessions and merchandise sales, vendor point-of-sale systems, and more than 600 connected televisions and digital scoreboards. Furthermore, gig-speed fiber connections are provided for media and broadcast operations, ensuring high-quality, real-time coverage.
Powering Connectivity at Scale
Meeting the immense demand for connectivity at such a large-scale event requires significant technological deployment. The Cox Business network provides 100 gigabits of available bandwidth, supporting tens of thousands of simultaneous connections. This extensive coverage is achieved through more than 600 Wi-Fi access points strategically deployed across the entire tournament footprint, including hospitality venues, concessions, and entertainment areas. Demand for connectivity varies substantially throughout the tournament week, with high-density locations like the 16th Hole often hosting over 17,000 fans daily, requiring consistent, high-performance service regardless of crowd size.
This advanced infrastructure ensures that fans do not miss a moment, whether they are posting updates, live-streaming, making calls, scanning RFID bracelets for entry, or tapping to pay for purchases from any location on the course.
Beyond Entertainment: Critical Operations and Safety
The robust network capabilities extend beyond merely enhancing the fan experience; they are fundamental to critical operational systems. The infrastructure is also designed to manage a high volume of vendor transactions daily. Additionally, a separate, secure network is established for first responders, enabling direct routing of emergency calls made from the course to on-site personnel. This comprehensive approach underscores the vital role of sophisticated digital infrastructure in ensuring both public safety and smooth event execution.
Economic Engine for Arizona
The Waste Management Phoenix Open is a significant economic driver for Arizona. An economic impact study conducted by Arizona State University revealed that the 2022 WM Phoenix Open contributed approximately $453.7 million to Arizona’s economy. This included a gross domestic product (GDP) contribution of $276.8 million to the state and an annual employment impact of 4,290 jobs. These figures highlight how private events, supported by innovative local businesses, generate substantial economic activity and job creation across the state.
Beyond direct economic contributions, the tournament also serves as a major philanthropic force. In 2022, the WM Phoenix Open raised $10.2 million for non-profit organizations. The 2025 edition of the tournament set a new record, raising $18.1 million for local charities, marking the highest single-year total in its history and the eighth time it has surpassed $10 million in charitable giving. This blend of economic stimulus and community support demonstrates the far-reaching positive effects of well-managed, technologically advanced events in the Phoenix area.
The 2026 tournament is projected to host 500,000 attendees and generate an estimated $222.6 million in event spending, further illustrating the ongoing economic momentum. Such concentrated, short-duration events, underpinned by established infrastructure, can create outsized economic effects that resonate throughout the region.
Innovation Driving Fan Experience and Efficiency
The continuous innovation in event technology, largely facilitated by providers like Cox Business, is central to the WM Phoenix Open’s status as a fan-centric event. The implementation of digital ticketing and cashless transactions, all supported by a reliable network, streamlines entry and purchasing processes, reducing friction and enhancing convenience. The ability for hundreds of thousands of fans to capture and share their experiences instantly through social media, utilizing the provided #FreeWiFiWMPO, fosters a unique and engaging atmosphere that is a hallmark of the tournament.
The Evolution of Event Infrastructure
Organizers of the WM Phoenix Open consistently review and improve the tournament’s infrastructure. Recent enhancements include upgrading technology for a more seamless experience for general admission ticket holders through an all-digital ticketing system to better manage large crowds. Efforts also focus on improving spectator traffic flow, particularly around the 16th hole, by expanding walkways and repositioning food and beverage kiosks to ease congestion. These ongoing investments in physical and digital infrastructure reflect a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that the event remains a world-class experience while prioritizing safety and efficiency for all attendees.
Conclusion
The Waste Management Phoenix Open is more than just a golf tournament; it is a powerful showcase of how local innovation, private investment, and strategic technological deployment can create a thriving economic engine and a vibrant community event. The dedication of companies like Cox Business in providing robust and reliable digital infrastructure is fundamental to the tournament’s operational success and its ability to deliver an unparalleled experience to hundreds of thousands of visitors. For Phoenix, AZ business, this collaboration highlights the significant benefits of entrepreneurial drive and a focus on cutting-edge solutions for sustained economic growth. Supporting local businesses that invest in the community’s infrastructure helps ensure that Phoenix continues to be a leader in hosting major events and fostering a dynamic economy for all Arizona AZ entrepreneurs.
Key Features of Cox Business Connectivity at WM Phoenix Open
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Network Provider | Cox Business serves as the primary network architect and technology backbone. | Local (WM Phoenix Open) |
| Bandwidth Capacity | 100 gigabits of available bandwidth. | Local (WM Phoenix Open) |
| Simultaneous Connections | Supports tens of thousands of simultaneous connections. | Local (WM Phoenix Open) |
| Wi-Fi Access Points | Over 600 Wi-Fi access points across the tournament footprint. | Local (WM Phoenix Open) |
| Supported Systems | Digital ticketing, RFID wristbands, cashless transactions, vendor POS, 600+ TVs/scoreboards, media fiber connections. | Local (WM Phoenix Open) |
| Emergency Network | Separate, secure network for first responders. | Local (WM Phoenix Open) |
| Economic Impact (2022) | $453.7 million influx into Arizona’s economy. | State-level (Arizona) |
| Jobs Created (2022) | Annual employment impact of 4,290 jobs. | State-level (Arizona) |
| Charitable Giving (2025) | $18.1 million raised for local charities. | Local (Greater Phoenix area) |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
