Georgia Sets the Stage for Big Events

TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola

DeKalb County

The TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola is held annually at Atlanta’s renowned East Lake Golf Club in DeKalb County, the formative home of the legendary Bobby Jones. In 2004, East Lake was named the permanent home to the TOUR Championship by Coca Cola, the FedExCup Playoff Finale and the season-ending event for the PGA TOUR. With this year’s event taking place September 24-27, players compete for an $8,250,000 purse at the oldest golf club in Atlanta.

The tournament primarily benefits the East Lake Foundation and First Tee. The club serves as the driving force behind the effort to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood. All profits from the club, as well as charitable donations from the club’s corporate membership, support the East Lake Foundation and its remarkable redevelopment project.

The top 30 players in FedExCup points (after the BMW Championship) qualify for the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola at the FedExCup Playoff Finale. FedExCup points are reset prior to the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola, ensuring a real shootout as all 30 players in the field will have a mathematical chance of winning the FedExCup with a victory at the event.

Mitsubishi Electric Classic

Gwinnett County

Formerly known as the Greater Gwinnett Championship, this PGA Tour’s Champions Tour is held in Gwinnett County annually at the TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, which spans 1,200 acres of Georgia countryside within the gated community of Sugarloaf Country Club. With an expected 40,000 spectators, the event will generate an anticipated $10 million in economic impact. The 54-hole tournament features 81 Champions Tour professionals competing for a $1.8 million purse. The 2016 event will take place April 11-17 with all three official rounds nationally televised on the Golf Channel. It will benefit charities through the Gwinnett Championship Foundation, Inc.; and has raised more than $520,000 for area charities in its first three years through all tournament-related activities.

“Playing the Champions Tour event in Gwinnett County at TPC Sugarloaf was an easy decision. The history of the Bellsouth Classic proved to us the need to continue professional golf in Gwinnett—great golf course, great community support and a location that we know players enjoy. And to partner with the Gwinnett Sports Commission was icing on the cake,” said Miller Brady, Champions Tour senior vice president and chief of operations.

2018 Dragon Boat World Championships

Lake Lanier

The 2018 Dragon Boat World Championships will take place at Lake Lanier Olympic Venue. It was bid on by Gainesville Hall County 96 to be held at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue in the summer of 2018 and expects 4,000 spectators, 3,000 players and $6 million in projected economic impact.

“The bid from Gainesville Hall 96 was accepted by the International Canoe Federation despite having received numerous bids from countries around the world. The Lake Lanier Olympic Venue offers the most fair and most beautiful course in the world. We believe that the world will see just how hospitable and accommodating Gainesville and Hall County can be when these elite athletes arrive here at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue,” said Morgan House, venue manager at Lake Lanier Olympic Venue.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & Half Marathon

Savannah

The Rock ’n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & Half Marathon takes place in Savannah’s beautiful, oaklined historic district, drawing 26,000 participants and spectators to the city. As one of Savannah’s largest events, the marathon generates nearly $34 million in economic impact and more than 19,000 room nights annually. This year, participants will relish a taste of the city as they enjoy several race-weekend events November 6-9. With a full marathon, half marathon, relay, 5K, one-miler and kids’ run, the weekend will be fun for all ages and skill sets. In 2014, Rock ’n’ Roll Savannah runners also helped raise more than $400,000 for its charity partners.

“Savannah is a beautiful city and great destination, so naturally it was a great fit for our Series, which strives to give runners a full weekend experience. Race participants can expect historic sites, stunning scenery and true Southern hospitality both on and off our marathon and half marathon courses,” said Director of Public Relations Dan Cruz. “This year will be our fifth in Savannah and we are grateful for our partners at Savannah Sports Council for helping us put on a successful event each year.”

Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour and Pro Wakesurf Tour

Cobb County

The Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour and Pro Wakesurf Tour returns to Cobb annually at Dallas Landing Park on Lake Allatoona in Acworth. The event features watersports action as well as food and music, athlete autograph signings, prizes and drawings, and shopping for equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions. More than 5,000 spectators and 250 boats line the beach and course line to watch the world’s top professional wakeboarders compete. This family-oriented event generates an estimated $1.1 million in economic impact on the community.

“Few tour cities roll out the red carpet to welcome the pros like return city Acworth, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. Dallas Landing on Lake Allatoona is another ‘land or sea’ venue that keeps the party going, with over 250 boats drawn to this legendary competition course. After the contest, the party continues at downtown Acworth’s Pro Tour Street Party,” says a Supra Pro Wakeboard Tour press release.

Georgia National Rodeo

Perry

Georgia National Rodeo, taking place February 18-20, 2016 at Reaves Arena in Perry, is expected to host 800 riders and 15,000 spectators, generating an estimated $1,942,263.75 in economic impact. The event is officially sanctioned by the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and features specialty acts plus cowboys and cowgirls from across the country competing in seven categories: saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding and barrel racing. Points earned at the Georgia National Rodeo qualify riders for the National Finals held every December in Las Vegas.

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