The Greenest Show on Grass, perhaps better known as the Waste Management Phoenix Open is taking place January 30 through February 2 and we’re here to tell you that this highly anticipated event is about a lot more than golf. 

Regularly attended by more than 200,000 people on Saturday alone, the Waste Management Open is one of the Valley’s biggest parties of the year, complete with pop up versions of favorite Valley bars, concerts by nationally recognized artists and of course, golf. 

To help you make the most of the event, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to get your tickets, what to expect and how to best spend your time in North Scottsdale when you’re not at the tournament.

How to Get your Tickets

Valley residents know that getting tickets to the Waste Management Open is a lot like the lottery. With weekend tickets now hitting $60 a person, it’s important to exhaust all your other options before bucking up the money, which could be better spent on morning mimosas. Not only are tickets expensive, there’s levels to them ranging from the coveted 16th hole passes to the exclusive Greenskeeper ticket to plain old GA. 

Corporate sponsors of the events usually enjoy copious amounts of passes at every level, so make sure to ask your friends working at big companies if they have access to extra tickets. Military members, veterans and first responders will receive a free ticket and a plus one. If you volunteer, you can also enjoy a free pass for the day that your volunteer, so get to those early morning shifts so you can make the most of your day at the Open!

Lastly, the Open regularly works with Valley companies to provide free tickets, so keep an eye out for those opportunities. Last year, Desert Ridge and Tempe Marketplace shoppers received two tickets in exchange for purchasing $250 worth of goods. 

Where to Park

The Waste Management Open provides a couple of different free parking lots, but don’t expect to just drive on in. Parking is far from the event and requires a shuttle service (also free!) to get there. Some passes include parking, which is also a great option if you want to get in and out of the event quickly. If you’re not designating a DD, make sure to take a rideshare option. We just recommend planning to arrive and leave at off hours, so you’re not waiting in line to get your ride. 

What to Expect

Expect a lot of people. If you’re looking for a quiet golf event, this might be one to skip, however it’s worth braving a sea of humanity if seeing a lot of golf’s top talent in one place is important to you. 

This year, local favorite previous tournament champ Phil Mickelson has opted out of the tournament, but attendees can still look forward to seeing plenty of other familiar faces. In addition to golf, the Open has a vendor area, pop up bars and restaurants and a post-tournament concert series called the Birds Nest. This year’s lineup includes Miranda Lambert, G-Eazy, Kygo and Dierks Bentley. 

Where to Stay

The closest hotel to the tournament is the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which has a restaurant connected directly to the TPC. The Westin Kierland and JW Marriott Desert Ridge are also within 10 minutes of the tournament. Budget-friendly options include the North Scottsdale Holiday Inn & Suites, Springhill Suites and Sheraton Desert Oasis. AirBnB is also a great option for those with large groups or who simply desire space of their own.

What to Eat

We recommend any restaurants at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, including Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar and Ironwood American Kitchen. These spots are sure to be delicious, and also busy. So make your reservations like, yesterday. Other North Scottsdale favorites include Mastro’s, Zinc Bistro at Kierland and Scottsdale’s top-rated brunch spot, Hash Kitchen. 

The 2020 Waste Management Open takes place from Thursday, January 30 to Sunday, February 2 at the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale. For more information, visit www.wmopenphoenix.com.

Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale: 7226 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ; www.wmopenphoenix.com