Military Appreciation Day at The Players draws thousands

The Players Championship is officially underway.

On Tuesday, thousands turned out for Military Appreciation Day and a special concert from country music star Sam Hunt

The golf tournament is one of the biggest events of the year in Northeast Florida.

“I think it’s spectacular,” said fan Ross Carrier.

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“It’s because of them that we can sit and enjoy something like this,” said fan Suzanne Lang.

It's a day to honor those who have served and those still serving.

“I think the military should be honored every day of our life because we still have our freedom. We have obstacles, we have adversities but reality is all Americans stand as one and that’s the USA,” said fan Doug Dawes.

The Players is one of golf’s biggest events. In 2016, 213,000 fans attended the event.

“We couldn’t be more excited. It’s one of the more trafficked days of the year at Jacksonville International. Our hotel occupancy in both Duval and St. Johns County is absolutely fantastic -- 83 and 84 percent respectively,” said Jared Rice, executive director of The Players.

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Fans came for the golf, but well aware of what’s been sacrificed for them to enjoy a day at The Players.

While watching a flyover by the 125th Fighter Wing of the Florida Air National Guard, Doug Dawes said “Everybody’s hair stood up and I go that’s pride, that’s the USA.”

Cox Media Group