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Group Effort Will Expand Success of THE PLAYERS Championship

April 16th, 2013 · Leave a Comment

 

An extensive partnership among public agencies, tourism promoters and business advocates has joined THE PLAYERS Championship to expand the annual tournament’s presence to Downtown Jacksonville.

The Downtown PLAYERS Alliance will build excitement about the tournament for new audiences and also generate fresh interest in Downtown Jacksonville. The group was brought together and coordinated by the City of Jacksonville.

“I’m proud of the teamwork. Everyone stepped up and deserves a lot of credit,” said Mayor Alvin Brown. “Being the largest city in the region, I believe Jacksonville has a responsibility to take part and do everything we can to support THE PLAYERS as a signature event for our economy and regional identity.”

Mayor Brown was joined in the announcement by Matt Rapp, executive director of THE PLAYERS; Greg Smith, chairman of the JAX Chamber; Paul Astleford, CEO of Visit Jacksonville; and Terry Lorince, executive director of Downtown Vision.

The Alliance brings together the strengths of an extensive list of public agencies and business leaders with a mission to build on the excitement of the annual tournament while creating opportunities in the city’s urban core. Partners include JEA, JTA, JAXPORT, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Gator Bowl Association, Florida’s First Coast of Golf, Orange Peel Entertainment, and Downtown hotel operators. One of the most visible efforts of the Alliance will be the painting of the iconic PLAYERS Championship “Gold Man” insignia around Downtown.

“We appreciate the unprecedented collaboration and cooperation between various agencies in support of THE PLAYERS,” said Rapp. “This year is just the start of a greater partnership with the City of Jacksonville to continue to grow the impact of the tournament to Downtown.”

THE PLAYERS week will kick off on Friday, May 3, Downtown at the Shipyards with the inaugural Tee Off Downtown event – a music and golf festival with food, beverages and contests to celebrate an incredible week for Northeast Florida.

The Downtown PLAYERS Alliance efforts include:

  • A golf-themed Art Walk on May 1 in partnership with Downtown Vision. Visitors will be able to test their swing in a hitting bay.
  • A welcome campaign for transportation companies to promote and welcome travelers to THE PLAYERS upon arrival at Jacksonville International Airport
  • A partnership with Downtown-area hotels offering “Play, Stay, Watch” packages and promotional pieces encouraging visitors to stay Downtown for THE PLAYERS.
  • THE PLAYERS advertisements and promotions at all of the city-owned facilities leading up to the event.
  • Offering fans a Downtown shuttle service to THE PLAYERS from Downtown-area hotels. Shuttle service will be available Wednesday through Sunday of tournament week.
  • The new Taste of JAX fan venue at THE PLAYERS, which will feature local food options from Jacksonville restaurants.
  • A new tradition with the painting of the “Gold Man” in front of city buildings and areas of Downtown.

Club 1791 will debut at THE PLAYERS. Named for the year Jacksonville was founded, Club 1791 allows Jacksonville to continue branding itself as a premier sports and entertainment destination.

THE PLAYERS returns to THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, May 6 through May 12.

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