Waste Management Phoenix Open to Be Scaled Down in 2021

The Waste Management Phoenix Open anticipates having a limited number of fans at its scaled-down 2021 tournament in Scottsdale, though it is unclear at this point in time how many fans will be allowed at the tournament.

The tournament confirmed Monday in a news release that it had begun construction on a one-story, open-air venue around the 16th Hole, which is famous for its coliseum-style seating and enthusiastic fans. Most of the other hospitality suites will not be part of the 2021 tournament due to COVID-19, the tournament previously announced.

“As we announced earlier this year, the footprint for the 2021 tournament will be entirely different due to COVID-19,” said Tournament Chairman Scott Jenkins in a statement. “But we always hoped to have some kind of presence at our iconic 16th hole with or even without our fans.”

“After many discussions with the PGA TOUR and local health officials, we are moving forward with a plan to have limited spectators at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Ultimately, if the decision is made by local health officials to allow spectators, it will be a small fraction of the normal capacity at TPC Scottsdale and not any different from what many other professional sports are currently allowing across the country,” he said.

Those packages range between $3,500 – $16,000, according to the tournament’s website. Wait-lists for the 2022 tournament were also available.

“A decision on the availability of limited general admission tickets will be made in the coming weeks,” a news release said. The Phoenix Open is scheduled for Feb. 1-7, 2021, at TPC Scottsdale.

Last week, both ESPN and Golf Digest reported that the Phoenix Open would be limited to up to 8,000 fans each day, citing a memo that the PGA Tour had recently sent to players.

A spokesperson for the Phoenix Open said he was aware that a memo was sent, but could not confirm the reports on the number of fans.

In the last few weeks, several events in the Phoenix area have either adjusted their plans, postponed their events, or canceled them entirely.

The Guaranteed Rate Bowl and Fiesta Bowl will not have fans during its games, aside from some players’ families; as well as the Arizona Cardinals’ last two home games at State Farm Stadium.

The Arizona Renaissance Festival canceled its 2021 event. Barrett-Jackson has pushed its 2021 auction from January to late March.

Click here to read the full press release.