Scottsdale, Arizona, January 6, 2026
The WM Phoenix Open will return with its unique mix of a vibrant atmosphere and meaningful tributes to military personnel and first responders. With free admission for U.S. military members and law enforcement, the event promotes community spirit while raising millions for local charities. Set in Scottsdale, the tournament, known for the iconic 16th hole’s electrifying crowd, aims to provide an unmatched fan experience while ensuring safety and security measures are in place.
Scottsdale, Arizona – The WM Phoenix Open, scheduled for February 2-8, 2026, continues its distinctive tradition of combining a lively party atmosphere with a meaningful tribute to those who serve. Hosted by The Thunderbirds, this PGA Tour event is widely recognized for its substantial community impact and its long-standing commitment to honoring military personnel and first responders.
Honoring Service and Community
For the 24th consecutive year, the WM Phoenix Open will offer free admission to all active, reserve, veteran, and retired U.S. military personnel, a gesture that also extends to active law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs. This initiative is a cornerstone of the tournament’s ethos, deeply rooted in expressing gratitude and fostering community spirit. A dedicated space, the Birdies for the Brave Patriots Outpost, will be open from Wednesday through Sunday during tournament week, providing complimentary food and drinks for military members from all five branches of the Armed Forces.
A Unique Spectator Experience
Known affectionately as “The People’s Open” and “The Greatest Show on Grass,” the tournament attracts enormous crowds to TPC Scottsdale, creating an unparalleled fan experience. The iconic 16th hole, dubbed “The Coliseum,” is particularly famous for its stadium-like and boisterous environment, with an estimated capacity ranging between 16,000 and 20,000 spectators. Fans often embrace the festive atmosphere by wearing costumes, contributing to a non-traditional golf event vibe. To ensure public safety and manage the significant attendance, organizers have implemented enhanced security procedures, including bag inspections and walk-through metal detectors at entrances, alongside increased law enforcement patrols around Scottsdale during the event.
Significant Charitable Impact
Beyond the golf and festivities, the WM Phoenix Open stands as a premier fundraising platform. The tournament’s hosts, The Thunderbirds, a non-profit organization established in 1986, are dedicated to distributing the funds raised. The 2025 event alone generated a record-breaking $18.1 million for local charities. Cumulatively, in its 90-year history, the tournament has contributed over $226 million to Arizona nonprofits, with more than $160 million raised since WM became the title sponsor in 2010. Thunderbirds Charities actively allocates these funds, including over $4.8 million awarded in grants to 70 Valley charities during its 2024 Fall funding cycle.
Tournament Overview
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open tournament week is scheduled from February 2 to February 8, with the 72-hole PGA TOUR event running from Thursday, February 5, through Sunday, February 8. While official attendance figures have not been released since 2018, the event historically draws hundreds of thousands of fans. In 2018, weekly attendance reached a record of 719,179, with 216,818 attendees on Saturday alone. Preparations for crowd control and safety have been a focus for organizers, with new fan entrances, expanded spectator sidewalks, and relocated food and alcohol vendors implemented to improve the fan experience.
FAQ
What are the dates for the 2026 WM Phoenix Open?
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open tournament week is scheduled from February 2 to February 8, with the 72-hole PGA TOUR event running from Thursday, February 5, through Sunday, February 8.
What is the WM Phoenix Open known for?
The WM Phoenix Open is known for blending a vibrant party atmosphere with a significant tribute to service members. It is also called “The People’s Open” and “The Greatest Show on Grass.”
How does the WM Phoenix Open honor service members?
For the 24th consecutive year, the WM Phoenix Open offers free admission to all active, reserve, veteran, and retired U.S. military personnel, as well as active law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs. Additionally, the Birdies for the Brave Patriots Outpost provides a dedicated space with complimentary food and drinks for military members.
What is the “16th hole” at the WM Phoenix Open famous for?
The 16th hole, known as “The Coliseum,” is famous for its stadium-like, boisterous environment, accommodating an estimated 16,000 to 20,000 spectators.
What is the charitable impact of the WM Phoenix Open?
The WM Phoenix Open serves as a major fundraising event, with the 2025 tournament raising a record $18.1 million for local charities. In its 90-year history, the tournament has contributed over $226 million to Arizona nonprofits.
Key Features of the WM Phoenix Open
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Dates (2026) | February 2-8, 2026 (Tournament week); February 5-8, 2026 (PGA TOUR event) | Event-specific |
| Location | TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona | Local |
| Atmosphere | Blends high-energy party atmosphere with a tribute to service members | Event-specific |
| Tribute to Service | Free admission for active, reserve, veteran, and retired U.S. military, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs for 24th consecutive year. Includes Birdies for the Brave Patriots Outpost. | Event-specific |
| Famous Hole | 16th hole, “The Coliseum,” known for its stadium-like, boisterous environment. Capacity of 16,000-20,000 spectators. | Event-specific |
| Charitable Contributions (2025) | Record $18.1 million raised for local charities. Over $226 million contributed to Arizona nonprofits in its 90-year history. | State-level (Arizona charities) |
| Host Organization | The Thunderbirds (non-profit distributing funds) | Local |
| Attendance (Historical) | Record weekly attendance of 719,179 in 2018; regularly draws hundreds of thousands of fans. | Event-specific |
| Safety Measures | Enhanced security, bag inspections, metal detectors, increased law enforcement, adjusted logistics. | Event-specific |
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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.
