By Kevin Ellis
The golf crowd is excited for the start of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, while NASCAR fans have the All-Star Race about 100 miles north at the North Wilkesboro Speedway.
The world’s best golfers tee off Thursday at one of professional golf’s four major events. Quail Hollow expects up to 50,000 fans to attend each day, pumping about $100 million into the city’s economy. Five double-decker structures — a total of 600,000 square feet of flooring and 400,000 square feet of tents — have been built to give fans great views, not to mention the installation of several video boards. Corporate sponsorship has topped $26 million. A 60,000-square-foot venue will sell shirts, hats and other memorabilia.
A unique point is that all tickets are all-inclusive for food and drink, excluding alcohol. Organizers say that should eliminate the long lines. The flowers are blooming, the grass is green and cut to just the right height. As Quail Hollow founder Johnny Harris said a few weeks ago, all eyes will be on Charlotte.
Hats off to the members of Quail Hollow Club who have not been able to play their home course since April 27.
Racing
For the third consecutive year, NASCAR will bring its Cup drivers to Charlotte on Sunday for the All-Star Race, an event that will bring 35,000 race fans to the historic track that was once a regular stop on the stock car circuit. And like the golfing crowd, the racing starts on Thursday night with late models taking center stage Thursday and Friday, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on Saturday, along with a concert by Jake Owens, and the All-Star race 8 p.m. Sunday.
About 90,000 unique visitors are expected in Wilkes County over the four days of racing, says Thomas Salley, director of the Wilkesboro Tourism Development Authority.
“Even if you’re not a fan of NASCAR, it’s going to be worth coming,” says Salley. “There’s going to be something for everyone.” The speedway may not have all-inclusive tickets for food and drinks, but it does allow people to bring in soft-sided coolers with their favorite beverages, says Salley.
The four days of racing will make a $50 million economic impact in Wilkes County, says Salley. “This is a big deal to have something like this in our community,” he says.
Sunday’s smart play? Quail Hollow in the afternoon, and then get to the race, which doesn’t start until 8 p.m. Extra smart? Do that and take Monday off work to recover.
Author: staff report
About Author
