Las Vegas, Nevada (March 23, 2011)–The pearly golf gates of Shadow Creek will soon be open to golf fans who will have the opportunity to watch Michael Jordan and his golf friends tee it up at the Tom Fazio-designed Las Vegas golf masterpiece that, until now, has only ever been viewed by a precious few invited casino guests or those willing to shell out $500 for a round. But from March 31-April 3, Shadow Creek rolls out the green carpet for all of Las Vegas golf when it welcomes the 10th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational. Everyone is invited to come and watch some of the biggest names in sports and showbiz try to tame Shadow Creek. —By Brian Hurlburt.
"When you think of fun and exciting destinations, Las Vegas is the first place that comes to mind," said Jordan in a statement about this year's tournament, the first time it is being played in Las Vegas. "I'm excited to be bringing the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational to ARIA and to Shadow Creek, a course I've always enjoyed playing. I'm looking forward to some great golf, celebrating with new friends and old, and most importantly, raising money for some very worthy charities." This is the first time in the history of Shadow Creek that the general public has been invited behind the gates to view a tournament. BUY TICKETS NOW!
According to course officials, not only is the public invited, but they will be catered to, from being allowed to park vehicles on property to being able to enjoy $5 Heinekens to being able to purchase a top-quality hat with logo for just $18, plus other very favorable concession deals and souvenir prices. And, oh by the way, be able to view A-list celebrities such as Marcus Allen, Boris Becker, Sam Bradford, Drew Brees, Wayne Gretzky, Larry David, Ken Griffey, Jr., Mario Lemieux, Mike Piazza, Kid Rock, John Smoltz, and several others. Each of the previously mentioned are scheduled to appear. Plus, the everyday golfer will be able to view and enjoy Shadow Creek, a Las Vegas golf course once called the "best course in the world" by the Robb Report.
"ARIA Resort & Casino and Shadow Creek are incredibly proud to bring the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational to Las Vegas for the first time," said Bill MacBeath, ARIA's president and chief operating officer. "It's only fitting that we open Shadow Creek to the public for the first time to welcome fans of Michael Jordan and his celebrity guests for such a spectacular tournament. The event is not only about celebrities and golf, but more importantly, the tremendous effort set forth by the participants in raising funds for select charities nationwide. We share Michael's philanthropic commitment and look forward to creating an extraordinary event for all involved." Proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nevada Cancer Institute, the James R. Jordan Foundation, and Cats Care, the Charlotte Bobcats' charity arm. Since 2001, the event has raised more than $5 million for charity.
The Celebrity-Amateur tournament, which pairs one celebrity with four amateur participants, will take place Thursday, March 31 and Friday April 1. The MJCI two-person, 36-hole scramble format tournament, including only competing celebrities, will take place Saturday April 2 and Sunday April 3. Tickets for the tournament may be purchased at ARIA's Elvis box office, online at ARIALasVegas.com, or at MJCIgolf.com. The prices are as follows, but also remember kids under 16 are FREE with a paid admission. Daily pass for Thursday and Friday, $25. Daily pass for Saturday and Sunday, $50. Weekly pass, $100. Daily VIP pass, $100. Weekly VIP pass, $300. Discounted tickets are available for military and seniors. Check back to GolfLasVegasNow.com over the next week for a special insider look at Shadow Creek plus inside access to the event. Also, exclusive photos of the newly-designed holes and course will be posted in the coming days.