City Council Update from AT&T Byron Nelson
Honorable Mayor and City Council
Yesterday, the AT&T Byron Nelson hosted its annual tournament kickoff luncheon, signaling to every member, as well as many of its sponsors, media, and community members that we’re officially entering the exciting final stretch toward the start of the tournament
and hosting over 200,000 guests at our new home – Trinity Forest Golf Club (TFGC).
We are very pleased to see ticket and hospitality sales continue to be on pace to meet or exceed our lofty expectations. We announced officially yesterday that full‐week corporate hospitality on the 16th, 17th and 18th holes is now sold out, even though we had an increased number of suites available this year.
Ticket sales have been strong, and we expect even more tickets to be sold as more players confirm their commitments to play in the AT&T Byron Nelson, and those commitments are publicized, which generally ramps up about a month out from tournament week.
As an important transportation update, we wanted to note that the main entrance bus terminal has been completed. Thank you to everyone at the City of Dallas who has worked tirelessly to get this important improvement made. This will help all the guests exit or board the shuttles in a convenient and safe manner.
Our parking and environmental vendors are still looking for groups to work in these areas. These are paid opportunities, and while we have several community groups involved already, we still need more. These opportunities are used as fundraisers for these groups and have proven to be successful ways for participating organizations to raise money. We have sent information to many community and business organizations of all sizes throughout the city, and if you want to pass this information to any groups you think may be interested, please feel free to do so. They can contact Tournament Director Jon Drago if interested in participating.
Additionally, together with Councilman Tennell Atkins, we hosted an important community update at TFGC on Thursday, March 29. The
meeting included an opportunity for interested citizens to learn more about the tournament and the great work at Momentous Institute, followed by a Q&A session with Club members and staff.
The tournament will also host an operations tour for all interested community‐based businesses at 9:00 am. on Friday, May 11 at TFGC. The purpose of the meeting is to introduce the various opportunities and expectations needed to build an event of this kind each year. It is our goal to constantly build within the community and provide as many opportunities as possible for groups to participate in some of the important efforts that help us put on a great event like the AT&T Byron Nelson.
Regarding our marketing initiatives, advertising for the tournament will begin to be more prevalent in the coming months promoting the inaugural event at TFGC, including ads on buses, outdoor, local TV and radio, newspapers, magazines and social media, along with our media outreach.
As many of you know, we have a very special event at this year’s tournament known as Operation Appreciation. This event is designed for
active, retired, and wounded veterans to participate in a very special pro‐am tournament. The event will be held at Cedar Crest and, to date, over 200 service members have signed up to participate. We could not be more excited about the enthusiasm for this event. Please note that the special pro‐am tournament is not open to the public, but please let me know if you would like to attend the event, and we’ll be happy to make those arrangements. A special shout out to Dallas’ own Interstate Batteries that is sponsoring this very special event.
The Bush Institute’s Warrior Open at the AT&T Byron Nelson will be held May 21‐22, 2018, immediately following the official AT&T Byron Nelson PGA TOUR event. The Bush Institute’s Warrior Open began in 2011 as a tribute event for United States military personnel seriously wounded or injured since September 11, 2001. The event amplifies and draws attention to the service, sacrifice and resilience of post‐9/11 warriors and their families.
Lastly, we want to express our appreciation to the following groups:
• Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire Department – thank you for your tireless efforts to work with each of us to make sure every safety aspect has been covered.
• Thanks to some of the organizations that have helped with tournament sponsors, media and to support our volunteers: Trinity River Audubon Center, Equest, Texas Horse Park, River Ranch Educational Charities, Strong Arms Church of God in Christ, Church of Christ on Pemberton Hill and the State Fair of Texas – we appreciate all your help to date especially because volunteers are the lifeblood that make our tournament possible.
If you have any questions at all, please let me know, and I’ll be happy to share more information.
Sincerely,
Eddy Moore
P.S. – Reminder that the tournament is closed to the public on Monday and Tuesday but will be open Wednesday, May 16. Admission will be complimentary to everyone, as a way of showing off our new home.
