FAN GUIDE: The Players Championship 2019

THE PLAYERS Championship is back in March in 2019,  for the first time since 2006.

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Here is everything fans need to know, as you plan your trip to TPC Sawgrass for the tournament, March 12th through the 17th.

PHOTOS: The Players Championship 2019

You can get tickets for THE PLAYERS Championship both on their website and at various Publix stores throughout Northeast Florida and the surrounding areas. Tickets are $25 for practice rounds Tuesday and Wednesday, $60 Thursday, and $70 Friday through Sunday. A weekly Stadium Pass for Tuesday through Sunday costs $240.

Gates open at 7:30AM Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and 7AM Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. The competition on Thursday and Friday begins around 7:35AM, on Saturday around 8:30AM, and Championship Sunday around 7:45AM.

A ticketed adult can bring an unlimited number of 18-year-old or younger golf fans in for free. There is also a Family Plan available, which includes concession vouchers. College students can get discounted tickets, with a valid student ID.

All career military- active duty, Reserve, retiree, and dependents- get complimentary admission to the tournament by registering on THE PLAYERS Championship website. Non-career military can get discounted admission at that same link.

Parking in the general lot is free for everyone and a pass is not required on the Tuesday and Wednesday of tournament week. Thursday through Sunday, tournament officials anticipate selling out of parking. Daily passes cost $35 Thursday and $40 Friday through Sunday, and you must buy a pass online in advance, through THE PLAYERS website.

As in prior years, if you plan on driving to THE PLAYERS with four or more people total in your car, you can park for free. To do that, you need to download a parking pass from their website, in advance. You need a pass each day you intend to park, and there are a limited number of these vouchers available.

There are plenty of ways to avoid dealing with vehicle parking altogether.

This year, there will be a ride sharing pick up and drop off location right at the Couples Entry off ATP Boulevard. Rideshare vehicles will be staged in this area, at peak exit times for the tournament. Uber is the official ride sharing partner of the tournament, and THE PLAYERS Championship will be a destination available through their app.

There is complimentary bike parking at Gate B inside of the Sawgrass Gates off PGA Tour Blvd in the back of Lot 5. In that same lot you will also find free golf cart parking.

If you're traveling in from Jacksonville, you can also catch a Downtown shuttle for $20. Thursday through Sunday, there will be shuttles from Hogan Street by the Omni Hotel, the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and the Lexington Hotel. Pickup and drop-off times and shuttle tickets are all available on THE PLAYERS Championship website.

Fans can bring in their own food in a clear, plastic one-gallon bag. The food must also be wrapped in a clear material. You cannot bring in your own water bottle, however you can refill a bottle you purchase at the tournament at the many water stations around the course.

If you want to bring in a bag, it must be 6x6x6 inches or smaller if it’s opaque or 12x6x12 inches or smaller if it’s clear. Small diaper bags, strollers, and other essential baby supplies will be allowed at the tournament, but are subject to search. Umbrellas without sleeves, collapsible chairs without bags, seat cushions without pockets or carrying cases, and binoculars without cases are also allowed.

Your phone must be on silent at the tournament. Video cameras are not allowed at all during the week, and cameras with lenses smaller than six inches are allowed only during practice rounds. You can use your phone to capture photos and videos through tournament week for personal use. Phone calls can only be made in designated areas.

The newly designed THE PLAYERS Welcome Experience is within the redesigned Nicklaus Entry, which now has a boardwalk path leading up to it. The Welcome Experience features the expanded PGA Tour Fan Shop, 17th Hole Challenge, Kids Zone, Food Court, and more. The former site of Stadium Village behind 18 green has been turfed and transformed into Sawgrass Square, with a PGA Tour Fan Shop, seating, and food and drink options. Additional seating has been added to expanded spectator areas behind 16 green and 17 tee in The Grove, and near the concessions at 18 fairway.

Many familiar fan areas will be on the course once again, including The Bier Garden near the couples Entry, Taste of JAX behind 11 green and 12 tee, Wine & Dine on 9, Trucks on 10, Tacos on 12, and more.

Fans are expected to behave with respect, including respecting play, obeying tournament signs and personnel, and not being disruptive. If you see any problems on site, you can contact tournament staff by texting 69050.

In addition to free or discounted admission for members of the military and their dependents, there are hospitality options as well.  All active duty, Reserve, retirees, veterans, and their dependents can access the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost near No. 16 tee, which includes free food, drinks, and activities.

THE PLAYERS Championship is continuing their tradition of several military events through tournament week as well, including Tuesday’s Military Appreciation Day, which includes a concert. This year, Jon Pardi will perform that show, and WOKV will air the special Military Appreciation Ceremony leading up to that, from 5PM through 5:30PM. The Ceremony is free to attend for any Tuesday ticket holder.

Some of the other military events include a Saturday job fair and Sunday baby shower for military moms-to-be.

Cox Media Group