Kick-off Event Features Celebration of 20th Anniversary of McCumber Victory
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (April 23, 2008) – As part of the upcoming THE PLAYERS Championship, THE PLAYERS Downtown Experience returns to Downtown Jacksonville May 7-10. This year’s four-day festivities offer a celebration of one of Northeast Florida’s most notable golfers along with golf-related activities and attractions for all ages.
THE PLAYERS Downtown Experience kicks off Wednesday, May 7, in conjunction with First Wednesday Art Walk, at the Jacksonville Landing with a celebration marking the 20th anniversary of local resident, Mark McCumber’s victory at THE PLAYERS Championship. Mayor John Peyton will be in attendance with a proclamation recognizing THE PLAYERS Championship Week. Fans can enjoy video clips of McCumber’s career and win. The festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. and continue throughout the evening with live entertainment from Kort McCumber & the McCumberland Gap.
Golf enthusiasts can catch up on the day’s events with live sportscasts and championship highlights throughout the day on Thursday and Friday and nightly entertainment in The Jacksonville Landing courtyard.
On Saturday, May 10, fans can experience “Nine Holes at the Landing†complete with free golf experiences including a nine-hole putting challenge and other interactive games, drink specials, food merchants and autograph sessions by members of the PGA TOUR and Champions Tours beginning at 4:00p.m.. Live entertainment returns to the 19th Hole riverfront courtyard with music beginning Saturday at noon.
THE PLAYERS Downtown Experience host committee consists of representatives from Visit Jacksonville; THE PLAYERS Championship; the City of Jacksonville Special Events Department; the Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC); Downtown Vision, Inc.; The Jacksonville Landing; Florida’s First Coast of Golf; PRI Productions and the PGA TOUR.
“We are excited about THE PLAYERS Downtown Experience this year,” said PGA TOUR Vice President and THE PLAYERS Executive Director Ron Cross. “The event is a great way to include the Jacksonville metro area in the tournament and celebrate the sport of golf in a fun, family environment. We appreciate all that Visit Jacksonville and the city has done to make the Downtown Experience an event that continues to draw fans from all over the First Coast.”
Visit Jacksonville President & CEO John Reyes added, “The attendance and excitement of THE PLAYERS Championship continues to grow each year giving Jacksonville an opportunity to create an event that complements the tournament and showcases other areas of the city. As an expanded event, THE PLAYERS Downtown Experience serves as the golf-themed “after-party†to the tournament, offering fans other options to spend their evenings.â€
For more information and event updates, visit www.jaxdowntownexperience.com.