Skip to Content

A behind-the-scenes look at this year’s Desert Classic Golf Tournament

It’s the 60th Anniversary of the Desert Classic — the annual event bringing pro golfers and golf lovers alike to the Coachella Valley. This year, the event is expected to draw up to 75,000 visitors. Jeff Sanders, the tournament’s executive director gave News Channel 3’s Madison Weil a behind-the-scenes tour and look at some of the amenities that visitors can expect this year.

“So what we’re looking at right now is the 18th green. Behind the 18th green is the Albertsons Vons Fan Pavilion. It’s 12,000 square feet and all fans that pay $30 can get in,” said Sanders, noting that the $30 entry fee gives fans access to most food, beverage and viewing areas.

Inside the Albertsons Vons Fan Pavilion, guests can enjoy several bars, restaurants, sports on the big screen, as well as a stunning view of that final hole.

“There’s three rows of seats all along here and so you can actually get something to eat and drink, and come out here and sit and watch the final hole in the final green right here,” said Sanders.

The next stop on the tour — the 17th hole which sits right beneath a fan favorite: the “Beer for Birdies Suite.”

“When you walk over here to the other side of the Michelob Ultra “Beer for Birdies Suite,” you can see there’s plenty of places to get a beer and something to eat here. A every time there’s a birdie made here, the beers will be half price for 15 minutes. Which means they’ll be half price all day which is what we want,” said Sanders.

And on Friday and Saturday night, the tournament will feature two concerts on the lawn: “Right here you can see the stage being set up. The stage is being set up for our Friday night concert which is Sammy Hagar and then Saturday night is Bad Company,” said Sanders.

While spectators can expect a lot of good golf and entertainment next week, Sanders says the best part is raising money for a good cause: “This is the year that we’re going to break the sixty million dollar mark for charity here in the valley so it’s kind of funny sixty years, sixty million.”

And with over a million dollars raised this year alone, the event is teeing up to be a huge success.

If you don’t have tickets yet for the tournament it’s not too late. You can still grab tickets online here for $30/day. Despite chances of some showers in the forecast, sanders assures News Channel 3, the event will go on rain or shine.

Article Topic Follows: News

Jump to comments ↓

KESQ News Team

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

News Channel 3 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content