Phoenix, January 30, 2026
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open is introducing a new Family Center, aimed at improving the fan experience for families attending the tournament. This 40’x40′ facility will be located near the Lifebird Grill and will offer amenities such as breastfeeding and changing stations, a kids’ activation area, and live golf coverage on TV. With this addition, the tournament continues its legacy of community engagement and charitable contributions, reinforcing its reputation as ‘The People’s Open.’
Phoenix
Open for Families: WM Phoenix Open Enhances Fan Experience
The highly anticipated 2026 WM Phoenix Open is set to introduce a new Family Center, marking a significant enhancement to the tournament’s fan experience and underscoring a commitment to community engagement and thoughtful private sector investment in local events. This addition reflects a broader trend of innovation and growth across Phoenix AZ business and community initiatives.
The upcoming tournament, known as “The People’s Open,” continues to build on its legacy of combining elite sports entertainment with substantial charitable giving and community focus. Such endeavors highlight how private organizations can proactively contribute to a vibrant local environment, demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit in meeting evolving public needs. The development of dedicated facilities like the Family Center, alongside other local business expansions, showcases a flourishing landscape for Arizona AZ entrepreneurs and a city keen on fostering economic dynamism through strategic improvements and partnerships.
A New Era for Family Engagement at the WM Phoenix Open
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open, scheduled from February 2-8 at TPC Scottsdale, will debut a new Family Center, a 40’x40′ temperature-controlled structure positioned near the Lifebird Grill at the south end of the driving range, close to the 11th tee. This facility aims to elevate the general admission experience for parents attending with children, providing a dedicated and comfortable space for families to rest and recharge without stepping away from the tournament action.
The Family Center will include a staffed welcome reception, developed in collaboration with Mayo Clinic and Phoenix Children’s. It will offer practical amenities such as breastfeeding stations for new mothers, changing stations, comfortable seating, and complimentary water. A kids’ activation area is designed to engage younger attendees, while televisions broadcasting live golf coverage ensure parents can remain connected to the tournament. The center will also serve as a central point for locating lost children. While comprehensive medical care and childcare services are not provided, parents are expected to remain with their children. Tournament Chairman Jason Eisenberg noted that the Family Center offers a space for families to take a break and manage essential needs, allowing them to fully enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of the WM Phoenix Open.
Celebrity Engagement and Tournament Enhancements
Beyond the new family-focused amenities, the 2026 WM Phoenix Open is poised to draw significant attention with its Annexus Pro-Am event. Sports icons Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Carli Lloyd, and Emmitt Smith are among the notable figures committed to compete in the Annexus Pro-Am, scheduled for Wednesday, February 4. Additional participants include Travis Kelce and Arizona Cardinals players Trey McBride, Budda Baker, and Zaven Collins. This star-studded lineup underscores the tournament’s broad appeal and its capacity to blend high-caliber golf with broader entertainment, contributing to its reputation as one of the PGA TOUR’s most iconic and fan-friendly events.
The tournament is also undergoing other significant structural upgrades. The iconic 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is being renovated for the 2026 event, featuring wider interior bays, higher ceilings, and frameless glass for enhanced views. A new hospitality venue, the Pin High Club, will also be introduced adjacent to the green.
Supporting Community and Economic Vibrancy
The WM Phoenix Open, run by The Thunderbirds, an organization founded in 1937 to promote the Valley through sports, has a significant charitable impact. Composed of 55 active members and over 280 life members, The Thunderbirds have helped the tournament raise more than $226 million for charity since its inception in 1932, with the 2025 event alone contributing a record $18.1 million. These figures demonstrate how large-scale private events can become powerful engines for community support and economic uplift, reflecting positive aspects of private investment and volunteerism in local development.
This spirit of growth and community involvement is mirrored across the Phoenix small business landscape. The Greater Phoenix region has experienced a surge in venture capital funding, with investments growing 146% from 2014 to 2024, surpassing peer markets. In 2025, the region secured 98 deals totaling $659 million, primarily in software, healthcare technology systems, and commercial services. This robust venture capital activity highlights a fertile ground for Arizona AZ entrepreneurs and innovative startups, fostering job creation and business success within the local economy.
Expanding Housing Solutions and Local Enterprises
Addressing the growing population and housing demand, Greenlight Communities, an Arizona-based real estate developer, continues its focus on privately funded attainable rental housing. The company completed 696 new attainable rental units in 2024 and has delivered nearly 3,500 units of workforce housing across the state since 2016. Their Streamliner brand, offering apartments starting around $1,100 per month without government subsidies, caters to essential workers earning approximately $40,000 annually, providing crucial solutions to the state’s housing needs. This private-sector approach to housing underscores the benefits of entrepreneurial solutions in meeting community challenges, a key theme in Phoenix’s ongoing economic growth.
In other local business developments, Westside Concepts, a West Valley-based restaurant group, recently expanded its offerings by opening Four Corners Taphouse in Peoria on June 23, 2025. Located at 24762 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy, this new establishment provides an elevated sports bar experience for the community. Such new ventures contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and diversifying entertainment options for residents.
Phoenix’s Economic Momentum and Future Outlook
Phoenix’s economic growth is fueled by several sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and job creation. Arizona saw an addition of 24,285 new jobs in the first half of 2025, supported by $31 billion in combined public and private investment. The region is rapidly becoming a hub for semiconductors and advanced technology, attracting over $77 billion in investment commitments from major industry players. The state’s export growth is significantly driven by its expanding manufacturing sector, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises. Phoenix has also been recognized as one of 28 “Star Hubs” for Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasizing the importance of developing and retaining skilled talent in this emerging field.
On January 23, 2026, Governor Katie Hobbs unveiled an economic study highlighting the benefits of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for Arizona. The report identified Mexico as Arizona’s leading trading partner and Canada as the second. Recommendations from this study aim to strengthen cross-border trade through clearer supply chains, consistent application of standards, improved infrastructure, and cooperation in key sectors like critical minerals.
The housing market in Phoenix is also showing promising signs for buyers in early 2026, characterized by higher inventory and more active negotiations, indicating a more balanced and buyer-friendly environment compared to previous years. Furthermore, ERMCO is set to open a new manufacturing facility in Waddell, Maricopa County, in 2027, with foundational work commencing in 2026. This significant private investment of $90 million is expected to generate over 500 new jobs, further bolstering the region’s manufacturing capabilities and providing long-term employment opportunities.
Conclusion
The city of Phoenix continues to demonstrate robust economic growth and a commitment to innovation, from enhancing major public events like the WM Phoenix Open to fostering a dynamic environment for Arizona AZ entrepreneurs and supporting new developments in housing and local businesses. The introduction of the Family Center at the WM Phoenix Open exemplifies a thoughtful approach to serving diverse community needs, while broader trends in venture capital, manufacturing, and housing solutions reflect a thriving and resilient local economy. We encourage residents to explore and support these local initiatives, from attending community events to patronizing Phoenix small business ventures, thereby contributing to the collective prosperity and continued success of our vibrant city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new feature is being introduced at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open?
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open will introduce a new Family Center.
Where will the Family Center be located at the tournament?
The Family Center will be located near the Lifebird Grill at the south end of the driving range, close to the 11th tee.
What amenities will the Family Center offer?
The Family Center will feature a staffed welcome reception in collaboration with Mayo Clinic and Phoenix Children’s, breastfeeding stations, changing stations, comfortable seating, on-site restrooms, complimentary water, a kids’ activation area, and TVs with live golf coverage. It will also serve as a designated hub for lost and found children.
Which sports icons are committed to participate in the 2026 WM Phoenix Open Annexus Pro-Am?
Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Carli Lloyd, and Emmitt Smith are committed to compete in the 2026 WM Phoenix Open Annexus Pro-Am.
When is the 2026 WM Phoenix Open taking place?
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open is scheduled from February 2-8 at TPC Scottsdale.
What is Greenlight Communities’ mission in Arizona?
Greenlight Communities, an Arizona-based developer, focuses on privately funded attainable rental housing, aiming to provide affordable options without relying on government subsidies.
What is the status of Phoenix’s housing market in early 2026?
Phoenix’s housing market in early 2026 is described as more balanced and buyer-friendly, with higher inventory and more active negotiations compared to previous years.
What new business recently opened in Peoria?
Westside Concepts opened its newest concept, Four Corners Taphouse, in Peoria on June 23, 2025, located at 24762 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy.
What is the investment and job creation forecast for ERMCO’s new manufacturing facility in Maricopa County?
ERMCO is investing $90 million to open a new manufacturing facility in Waddell, Maricopa County, which is expected to create over 500 new jobs.
Key Features of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open Enhancements and Phoenix Economic Growth
| Feature | Description | Impact / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| WM Phoenix Open Family Center | 40’x40′ temperature-controlled space near 11th tee. Features include staffed reception, breastfeeding stations, changing stations, kids’ activation area, TVs with live golf, restrooms, complimentary water. | Enhances fan experience for families, provides a dedicated area for rest and essentials, reflects tournament’s commitment to inclusivity. |
| Annexus Pro-Am Celebrity Participants | Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Carli Lloyd, Emmitt Smith, Travis Kelce, and Arizona Cardinals players Trey McBride, Budda Baker, and Zaven Collins committed to play. | Broadens tournament’s appeal beyond traditional golf audiences, blending competition with entertainment, reinforcing “The People’s Open” brand. |
| 16th Hole Renovation | Wider interior bays, higher ceilings, and frameless glass for improved views. Introduction of the new Pin High Club. | Upgrades spectator experience at an iconic hole, adds new hospitality options. |
| Greenlight Communities Housing | Privately funded attainable rental housing developer. Completed 696 new units in 2024, nearly 3,500 workforce housing units since 2016. Streamliner brand offers rents starting around $1,100 per month without government subsidies. | Addresses Arizona’s housing needs for essential workers, showcasing private sector solutions to community challenges. |
| Phoenix Housing Market (Early 2026) | Characterized by higher inventory and more active negotiations. | Indicates a more balanced and buyer-friendly environment compared to previous years. |
| ERMCO Manufacturing Facility (Maricopa County) | $90 million investment in Waddell, foundational work begins in 2026, operational in 2027. | Expected to create over 500 new jobs, strengthening the region’s manufacturing base and providing long-term employment opportunities. |
| Phoenix Venture Capital Growth | Investments grew 146% from 2014-2024. In 2025, 98 deals totaled $659 million (software, healthcare technology, commercial services). | Highlights a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering innovation, job creation, and business success in the Greater Phoenix region. |
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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.
