Tournament Blog for the 2009 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 15, 2011

PGA TOUR approves use of mobile devices by spectators at

PGA TOUR tournaments beginning at The Honda Classic

New policy implemented to enhance the overall fan experience

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – The PGA TOUR announced today a mobile device policy which will allow fans at TOUR events to carry mobile devices and use them in select areas on the golf course. The Honda Classic, scheduled for February 28-March 6 at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, will be the first event for which the mobile device policy will be implemented as an enhancement to the overall fan experience.

Testing was conducted at five TOUR events in late 2010 and early 2011 to gauge the potential impact of mobile devices at PGA TOUR events. The five tests allowed the TOUR to develop and refine a list of best practices, which will be implemented starting with The Honda Classic.

“We understand that mobile devices are an important part of everyday life.” said Andy Pazder, PGA TOUR chief of operations. “We concluded after the five test tournaments, that allowing mobile devices on-site at TOUR events was a tremendous fan enhancement, allowing them to stay connected to business and family. We anticipate our fans will be respectful of the policy and as a result the integrity of our competitions will not be compromised.”

With the revised policy, spectators are allowed to carry mobile devices on the golf course with the volume setting on silent. Phone calls can be made or received in designated areas throughout the golf course, for example concession stands. Fans will be allowed to receive and send messages and check data on the golf course away from play. No video recording is permitted at any time during the week, and no photography will be permitted during official competition rounds.

The mobile device policy will be implemented on a tournament-by-tournament basis, subject to the approval of the TOUR. The Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship are not PGA TOUR co-sponsored events and have their own respective policies regarding the use of mobile devices on-site.

About PGA TOUR

The PGA TOUR is the world’s premier membership organization for touring professional golfers, co-sanctioning more than 100 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour.

The PGA TOUR’s mission is to entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners,

create outlets for volunteers to give back, generate significant charitable and economic impact in communities in which it plays, and provide financial opportunities for TOUR players.

In 2011, the three Tours collectively have tournaments in 29 states and in 12 countries and territories outside of the United States. PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to nearly 600 million households in 225 countries and territories in 30 languages.

Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2010, tournaments on the three Tours generated more than $120 million for local charitable organizations, bringing the TOUR’s all-time total of charitable contributions to more than $1.6 billion.

The PGA TOUR’s web site is PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf, and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

CONTACTS

Joel Schuchmann, PGA TOUR, 904-280-4707, joelschuchmann@pgatourhq.com

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Las Vegas – Attendees of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and UNLV Rebel fans and alumni alike, are invited to experience the Rebel Ranch Wednesday, Oct. 20 – Sunday, Oct. 24 at TPC Summerlin during tournament week.

The Rebel Ranch is a UNLV branded hospitality area on the 18^th fairway that offers an up-close view of the finishing hole with indoor and outdoor seating options. Rebel Ranch, presented by CenturyLink , Coca-Cola , Desert Toyota and MillerCoors, will be available to supporters Wednesday, Oct. 20 – Sunday, Oct. 24, with special UNLV Athletics and alumni programming taking place on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $30 per day with proceeds benefitting the UNLV Alumni Association, the Rebel Athletic Fund and the Shriners Hospitals for Children. 

 On Friday, Oct. 22, the first 250 UNLV Students at the gate will receive complimentary admission to Rebel Ranch by showing their Rebel Card.  All students thereafter will receive complimentary admission to the Rebel Ranch with the purchase of a grounds ticket: $15 in advance, or $20 at the gate, by presenting their Rebel Card.

 Events Include:

Noon Saturday, Oct. 23: Meet and greet with former UNLV student-athletes and UNLV alumni 

2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24: “Get Your Reb On” with UNLV coaches, cheerleaders and Rebel Girls, including UNLV men’s basketball coach Lon Kruger, UNLV Athletics Director Jim Livengood, as well as coaching staffs from all 17 of the UNLV Athletics programs. 

A ticket to the Rebel Ranch includes entrance into the 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open and VIP access to the Rebel Ranch tent area and its programming for the day. Drink and food specials will be available for purchase inside the tent. 

More information will be announced at a later date regarding special events in the Rebel Ranch throughout tournament week, as well as programming for Wednesday and Thursday. To purchase tickets to the Rebel Ranch, visit www.jtshrinersopen.com. Click on the “Buy Tickets” button at the bottom of the page and choose the “Rebel Ranch” option.

The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is Oct. 17 – 24, 2010 at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, 1680 Village Center Circle. For more information, visit www.jtshrinersopen.com or call 702.589.4949.

About The 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open:

The 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is the ongoing commitment between Timberlake and Shriners Hospitals for Children® to continue the tradition of a PGA TOUR event in Las Vegas.  The collaboration between Shriners Hospitals for Children® as Title Sponsor and Host, along with Celebrity Host Justin Timberlake, creates a truly unique and world-class event for players and fans alike.  A variety of well-known golfers will participate in the competition and help support the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children®, while enjoying the signature flair that Las Vegas has to offer.  The 2010 tournament is October 18-24 at the TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.

About Shriners Hospitals for Children®:

 
Shriners Hospitals for Children® is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to the age of 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission and receive all care in a family-centered environment regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.

About the PGA TOUR:

The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to expand the PGA TOUR so as to substantially increase player financial benefits while maintaining our commitment to charity and integrity to the game. In 2010, the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour collectively consist of more than 100 events staged in 34 states and in 12 countries outside of the U.S.

 In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities.  In fact, the PGA TOUR and its tournaments have given nearly $1.5 billion in overall charitable contributions.  The PGA TOUR’s Web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

CHRISTINA AGUILERA, DIDDY-DIRTY MONEY, FREESOL, LADY ANTEBELLUM, SALT-N-PEPA, SELENA GOMEZ & THE SCENE AND T-PAIN TO PERFORM AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO’S THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010  

Tickets On Sale Saturday, August 21 at 10 AM PST  

Las Vegas, NV – Grammy® and Emmy® Award-winning international superstar Justin Timberlake will bring the Justin Timberlake and Friends, a Special Evening Benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children event back to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s Theatre For The Performing Arts in Las Vegas on Saturday, October 23 at 8 PM.   

This year’s concert will feature performances by Grammy Award®-winning talent including the multi-platinum selling recording artist, Christina Aguilera, Grammy Award®-winning producer, actor and mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and his new group, Diddy-Dirty Money, Grammy Award®-winning superstars and 2010’s top selling artist in all genres, Lady Antebellum, legendary Hip Hop music icons, Salt-N-Pepa, Hollywood Records artist, Selena Gomez & The Scene, platinum R&B artist/music producer, T-Pain, as well as Tennman Records artist, FreeSol.   

American Express will conduct an exclusive presale, via www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-745-3000, for its cardholders starting Thursday, August 19 at 10 AM PST. A limited number of VIP packages will be auctioned off starting Saturday, August 21 at 10 AM PST and ending on Tuesday, August 31 at 12 PM PST exclusively through www.Ticketmaster.com with reserve bids starting at $500. The exclusive 22 VIP Packages include premium Gold Circle seating and will be auctioned in two ticket minimums; additional package details can be obtained at www.Ticketmaster.com.  

Tickets go on sale Saturday, August 21 at 10 AM PST and range in price from $100 to $350 plus applicable live entertainment tax. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Offices at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000/702-474-4000.  All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.  All tickets subject to applicable taxes, service and handling charges.  

Justin Timberlake is the 14th celebrity to host a PGA TOUR Tournament, The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.  The concert on October 23 is one of several events during tournament week that will benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Attendees of the concert will also receive a ticket for admission to the final round of the tournament on Sunday, October 24.  For more information on the events during the week, log on to www.jtshrinersopen.com. 

  About Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

 Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is the newest member of the Harrah’s Entertainment family. The hottest property on the Las Vegas Strip with 2500 beautifully designed guest rooms and suites featuring the best views in town, Planet Hollywood encompasses over 100,000 square feet of gaming, and has 75,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. The resort features fine dining restaurants including KOI and Strip House, Yolo’s Mexican Grill, the award winning Spice Market Buffet, and casual dining options including LA’s Pink’s Hot Dogs, Earl of Sandwich and Planet Dailies for your 24 hour food cravings. The casino floor also houses multiple high energy lounges, and for rest and relaxation the Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara can be found on the mezzanine. Planet Hollywood is also home to PEEPSHOW, starring Holly Madison, a sexy burlesque show with a modern sensibility. In 2010 the majestic PH Tower opened its doors adding 1100 beautifully appointed spacious suites and a hot new pool with luxuriously appointed cabanas. The property is encircled by Miracle Mile Shops with over 170 specialty stores and restaurants. For more information log onto www.planethollywoodresort.comor you can find out more on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/phvegas and follow on twitter http://twitter.com/phvegas (@phvegas).

  About The 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

 The 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is the ongoing commitment between Timberlake and Shriners Hospitals for Children to continue the tradition of a PGA TOUR event in Las Vegas.  The collaboration between Shriners Hospitals for Children and Timberlake to act as Title Sponsor and Host creates a truly unique and world-class event for players and fans alike.  A host of well-known golfers will participate in the competition to help support the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children while enjoying the signature flair that Las Vegas has to offer.  The 2010 tournament is October 17-24 at the TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.

  About The Shriners Hospitals for Children

 Shriners Hospitals for Children® is a pediatric health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to providing specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals.  Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment.  All care and services are provided regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.

Las Vegas – NFL great and 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee, Emmitt Smith, will participate in the MGM Resorts International Championship Pro-Am at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open event in Las Vegas at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010 at TPC Summerlin.

A true advocate and supporter of America’s youth, Smith and his wife, Pat, founded the Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities, an organization dedicated to creating unique educational experiences and enrichment opportunities for underserved children.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Pro-Am to support the Shriners Hospitals for Children,” said Smith. “Pat and I are driven to help children through our organization and it’s an honor to be involved with such a prestigious event in Las Vegas. I have a lot of respect for Justin’s charitable efforts and I want to support him.”

Recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2010, Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, having amassed 18,355 yards during his 14 seasons in the league. Smith is also a three-time Super Bowl champion (1993, 1994 and 1996) and the only player in NFL history to win the Super Bowl, Super Bowl MVP award and the NFL MVP award in the same season (1993).

Smith also holds the NFL record for career rushing touchdowns (164) and was named to the Pro Bowl eight times. The Cowboys selected Smith in the first round (17^th overall) of the 1990 NFL Draft.

Smith starred collegiately at the University of Florida where he set 58 school records in his three years along with earning All-American honors including being named the 1989 SEC Player of the Year. After retiring from football, Smith, along with his dancing partner Cheryl Burke, was crowned the winner of the hit ABC reality show “Dancing with the Stars” in 2006.

Currently, Smith serves as the Co-Founder, Co-Chairman and CEO of ESmith Legacy, Inc, a commercial real estate firm. Emmitt and Pat reside in Dallas with their four children.

The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is Oct. 17 – 24, 2010 at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, 1680 Village Center Circle. For more information, visit www.jtshrinersopen.com or call 702.589.4949.

About The 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open:

The 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is the ongoing commitment between Timberlake and Shriners Hospitals for Children® to continue the tradition of a PGA TOUR event in Las Vegas.  The collaboration between Shriners Hospitals for Children® as Title Sponsor and Host, along with Celebrity Host Justin Timberlake, creates a truly unique and world-class event for players and fans alike.  A variety of well-known golfers will participate in the competition and help support the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children®, while enjoying the signature flair that Las Vegas has to offer.  The 2010 tournament is October 17-24 at the TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.

About Shriners Hospitals for Children®:
Shriners Hospitals for Children® is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to the age of 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission and receive all care in a family-centered environment regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.

About the PGA TOUR:

The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to expand the PGA TOUR so as to substantially increase player financial benefits while maintaining our commitment to charity and integrity to the game.

 In 2010, the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour collectively consist of more than 100 events staged in 34 states and in 12 countries outside of the U.S.

In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities.  In fact, the PGA TOUR and its tournaments have given nearly $1.5 billion in overall charitable contributions.  The PGA TOUR’s Web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

Las Vegas – The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open (JTSHCO), an Official PGA TOUR Event, announced MGM Resorts International as its title sponsor for the 2010 Championship Pro-Am to be held Wednesday, Oct. 20 at TPC Summerlin.

“We are delighted to partner with the world’s leader in hospitality and resort brands,” said Adam Sperling, tournament director for the JTSHCO. “We only expect this relationship to grow as we will continue to actively pursue additional opportunities to promote the event, our local partnerships and Las Vegas.”

As part of a three-year agreement, MGM Resorts International will have a heightened presence at the Pro-Am as well as have the opportunity annually to utilize a different property as the host venue of the pairings party.  This year’s host for the Tuesday evening pairings party will be ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter, which also will serve as the host hotel for those amateurs participating in the Championship Pro-Am.

“High-profile events, such as this one, draw attention to important health issues facing children across the country,” said Bill Hornbuckle, chief marketing officer for MGM Resorts International.  “We’re honored to play a role in the event and believe that Justin Timberlake’s partnership with the Shriners Hospitals creates the emergence of a new era for the tournament.  We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and the PGA TOUR on such a special event.”

In previous years, the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open has welcomed the talent of Oscar De La Hoya, Josh Duhamel, Kenny G., George Lopez, Alice Cooper and tournament host, Justin Timberlake, among others, to play in its Championship Pro-Am.

The Pro-Am package is $7,500 per amateur and offers them the opportunity to play alongside a PGA TOUR professional. The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is Oct. 18 – 24, 2010 at the TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.jtshrinersopen.com or call 702.589.4949.

About The 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open:

The 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is the ongoing commitment between Timberlake and Shriners Hospitals for Children® to continue the tradition of a PGA TOUR event in Las Vegas.  The collaboration between Shriners Hospitals for Children® as Title Sponsor and Host, along with Celebrity Host Justin Timberlake, creates a truly unique and world-class event for players and fans alike.  A variety of well-known golfers will participate in the competition and help support the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children®, while enjoying the signature flair that Las Vegas has to offer.  The 2010 tournament is October 18-24 at the TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.

About Shriners Hospitals for Children®:
Shriners Hospitals for Children® is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care and outreach programs, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to the age of 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission and receive all care in a family-centered environment with no financial obligation to patients or families.

About MGM Resorts International:
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world’s leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage.  The Company has significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 15 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50% investments in four other properties in Nevada, Illinois and Macau. One of those investments is CityCenter, an unprecedented urban resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip featuring its centerpiece ARIA Resort & Casino.  Through its hospitality management subsidiary, the Company holds a growing number of development and management agreements for casino and non-casino resort projects around the world.  MGM Resorts International supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its gaming properties. The Company has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative, its community philanthropy programs and the Company’s commitment to sustainable development and operations.  For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company’s Web site at www.mgmresorts.com.

About the PGA TOUR:

The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to expand the PGA TOUR so as to substantially increase player financial benefits while maintaining our commitment to charity and integrity to the game.

In 2010, the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour collectively consist of more than 100 events staged in 34 states and in 12 countries outside of the U.S.

In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities.  In fact, the PGA TOUR and its tournaments have given nearly $1.5 billion in overall charitable contributions.  The PGA TOUR’s Web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

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Those interested in buying Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals Open for Children official tournament apparel may now do so, online, at the tournament’s official store.  The store offers men’s, women’s shirts, hats jackets and a wide range of high-quality gear, all adorned with the official tournament logo.

World-renown saxophonist Kenny G. will participate in the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open Championship Pro-Am in Las Vegas Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009 at the TPC Summerlin.

When not playing smooth melodies on his sax, Kenny G. enjoys one of his favorite hobbies – the game of golf. Ranked in Golf Digest’s “Top 100 in Music” (December 2006 issue) as the No. 1 musician golfer with a plus 0.6 handicap index, Kenny G. played golf in high school, finding a passion for the sport since his brother introduced him to the game.

Kenny G. is currently joined by Alice Cooper, Natalie Gulbis, Smokey Robinson and Justin Timberlake among others to play in the Championship Pro-Am, with more names to be announced.

The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open will host a free Youth Clinic from 2-3 p.m. on Sunday, October 11 at TPC Summerlin. Hosted by Justin Timberlake and Butch Harmon, young golfers will learn the fundamentals of the game through a demonstration of basic skills and techniques.

The event is open to the public and the first 500 attendees will receive complimentary Mollicoolz Shakers™, a single serving treat of tiny ice cream beads that produce a sweet tasty milkshake when combined with milk.

Guests and media may use complimentary tournament shuttles available at The Suncoast.   More information regarding the shuttle is available online.

Media interested in attending the event (still photos and b-roll only) must RSVP to Kala Peterson via email: kpeterson@kirvindoak.com.

Enter to win tickets to the Justin Timberlake and Friends concert at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.   The concert will be held on October 17, 2009, and will benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.  For more information on the concert, click here.

The contest will grant one lucky grand prize winner:

Two (2) tickets to the Justin Timberlake and Friends concert at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas on October 17, 2009

Two (2) round trip airfare tickets for a winner and a guest to Las Vegas, NV

Two (2) nights hotel accommodations in Las Vegas, NV

ENTER NOW 

Contest ends October 7, 2009.  Prizes provided by Zomba Label Group.  See the contest’s official rules for details.