Continuing a PGA TOUR tradition of honoring men and women in uniform, THE PLAYERS Championship recently unveiled a full slate of military appreciation activities and programs for the 2018 event, including a special performance by 2017 breakout artist Luke Combs on Tuesday, May 8, during Military Appreciation Day. New this year, the Military Appreciation Day Ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the Concert will kick-off at 6 p.m. on the 17th hole when the tournament returns to THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, May 8-13.

Combs joins an impressive list of country music stars who have performed on Military Appreciation Day including Tim McGraw (2010), Darius Rucker (2011), Luke Bryan (2012), Dierks Bentley (2013), Jake Owen (2014), Big & Rich (2015), Toby Keith (2016) and Sam Hunt (2017).

The Military Appreciation Day Ceremony and Concert is free to any Tuesday ticket holder; a Tuesday Stadium Pass starts at just $25. Parking is also free on Tuesday and Wednesday of tournament week.

“Performing at THE PLAYERS, on the 17th hole, is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences,” said Combs.  “The fact that my performance is part of a ceremony that honors our men and women in the armed forces makes it even more special.”

With gritty, grizzled vocals, brazen songwriting talent and a dynamic live show, River House Artists/Columbia Nashville singer-songwriter Luke Combs stormed onto the Country music landscape as “one of the format’s burliest and brightest stars” (Vulture). The Asheville, North Carolina native released his GOLD-certified debut album, This One’s For You in 2017 which spurred two consecutive PLATINUM-certified multi-week No. 1 hit radio singles, “Hurricane” and “When It Rains It Pours,” and his current Top 30 and climbing hit, “One Number Away.”

Voted iHeart Radio’s Best New County Artist of 2018 and named Billboard’s Top 100 Artist and Top New Country Artist of 2017, Combs made country radio history as the first new solo male artist to achieve a multi-week No. 1 with a debut single since 2001.  ACM CMA, CMT and iHeartRadio Award nominated, Combs has performed on NBC’s Today and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! and received critical praise from NPR, American Songwriter, Washington Post, Billboard, Variety and more.

The 28 year-old Asheville, North Carolina native is currently on his sold-out first headlining Don’t Tempt Me With A Good Time Tour, has performed on all-star lineups for CMA Music Fest, Bonnaroo & Austin City Limits and joins Jason Aldean on his nationwide tour beginning May 2018.

“Luke Combs is a fantastic addition to the list of performers at Military Appreciation Day,” said Damon Olinto, THE PLAYERS 2018 Volunteer Chairman.  “Each year we eagerly anticipate the ceremony because not only is it entertaining for our spectators and volunteers, but because it’s our way to salute those men and women who fight for our freedom.”

In addition to Military Appreciation Day, THE PLAYERS provides all career military (active duty, Reserve, military retirees and dependents) with complimentary admission to the tournament all week and discounted admission for veterans.  To obtain vouchers, go to THEPLAYERS.com/tickets and click REDEEM in the Military Ticket section.  Parking is not included with the free, or discounted, ticket Thursday through Sunday. All parking on Tuesday and Wednesday is free.

Throughout tournament week, all active duty and Reserve military members, military retirees, veterans and their dependents will have access to the Birdies for the Brave® Patriots’ Outpost, a hospitality tent reserved exclusively for the military which offers complimentary food, beverages and activities.  Located near the tee at No. 16, the Patriots’ Outpost is financially supported by THE PLAYERS and Jacksonville-area companies and individuals.  United Rentals is the lead sponsor of the Birdies for the Brave® Patriots’ Outpost. In 2017, THE PLAYERS issued more than 35,000 complimentary military tickets and more than 19,000 military members and their families were hosted in the Patriots’ Outpost.

Prior to tournament week, THE PLAYERS will welcome active duty, Reserve, retired military, veterans, and military spouses to TPC Sawgrass on Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Birdies for the Brave® Patriots’ Outpost, to participate in its seventh-annual Military Job Fair, in partnership with the Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition and sponsored by United Rentals.  The Military Job Fair is free and open to military personnel, veterans and military spouses who are seeking employment.  There will be approximately 50 companies on hand, all with open hiring opportunities.

On Sunday, May 6, THE PLAYERS and Birdies for the Brave® will again partner with Operation Shower to host a group baby shower for 40 military moms-to-be.  Scheduled to be held from 12-2 p.m. in the Birdies for the Brave® Patriots’ Outpost, the event will be hosted by Jim and Tabitha Furyk, and sponsored by United Rentals, and will feature Operation Shower’s signature Shower-In-A-Box, gifts of high-quality products for the moms and babies that have been provided by sponsors and donors.

Volunteering at THE PLAYERS is a unique avenue for not only golf fans, but also those looking to support an event that gives millions of dollars back to the community, to become a part of the team that works tirelessly to make the tournament a showcase of excellence. Those that wish to apply to be a volunteer at THE PLAYERS this year, or that want more information, can visit THEPLAYERSvolunteers.com.

THE PLAYERS returns to TPC Sawgrass May 8-13, 2018.  More information about THE PLAYERS is available at THEPLAYERS.com.