It’s WM Phoenix Open vs rowdy fans! “Saturday at WM Phoenix Open in 2024 is going to end up being a turning point for our tournament and our organization to make our event better,” said Thunderbirds executive director Chance Cozby almost a year ago. The venue has been through rigorous, planned changes since. It has been a year now and the gates are ready to open for fans and players.

At this barnburner, Nick Taylor is looking to defend his crown after he drained three straight birdies on No. 18 last year to outduel Charley Hoffman. Steven Fisk punched his ticket in style, firing a red-hot 9-under 63 at Pinnacle Peak to claim the final WM Phoenix Open qualifier spot. Who else is here? Justin Thomas and Scottie Scheffler are headlining a 100+ player lineup for possibly over 700,000 roaring fans at the infamous TPC Scottsdale. So, what will the players and fans find new at the stadium?

1. WM Phoenix Open’s Infrastructure: What’s cooler now?

As you can’t forget, the adjective stands for last year’s 54 arrests at the stadium when gates were temporarily closed, and alcohol sales, were suspended. Going back another year, arrests were still happening with 102 ejections. Taking last year’s sentiments around the venue enhancement, Thunderbird, the civic organization running the event, has laid out extensive upgrades. Let’s have a look, and if you’re visiting, then, get excited.   

If you’ve ever felt packed in like sardines at the WM Phoenix Open, this year’s upgrades are music to your ears. According to the official website of “The People’s Open,” a brand-new fan entrance on Greenway Hayden Loop, right by the 18th tee, is being added to ease congestion at the main gate. And forget about fighting traffic—the stretch from Frank Lloyd Wright to Princess Drive will be closed to general vehicles, making entry and exit way smoother. Here, grab a look at the venue-

“This entrance will provide relief at our main entrance and offer a much shorter walk for those fans in high-demand areas near holes 16, 17, and 18,” said Tournament Chairman Matt Mooney. But that’s not all—the bottlenecked pathways are getting a serious glow-up, with the walkway between 16 and 10 doubling in width. Plus, no more dodging long vendor lines in prime viewing spots—food and alcohol stands are being relocated to keep traffic flowing. With these changes, fans can focus on what really matters—soaking up the action, hassle-less. So, is there more? Of course!

2. The fan-centric WM Phoenix Open 2025 welcomes a greener tour

The 2025 WM Phoenix Open has more goodies in the bag for fans. For example, what if you left your event pass at home? Leave it with pride! The tournament is going digital with a virtual ticket format that supports general admission and Coors Light Birds Nest tickets. There’s also going to be data-based monitoring to enhance the fan experience.

Fans can avoid the line of third-party vendors with this digital process, highlighted Mooney. It comes with a system to analyze crowd flow at the entrance and manage it beyond. With no more suffocation at the gates, you can stroll in without worries. Ahead, they’ve taken it up a notch.

3. More spots streamlined at the WM Phoenix Open 2025 

So, speaking of general admission, two prominent venues are redesigned. Taylor Morrison Fairway House at the 12th hole, for better views, more space, and upgraded concessions. Meanwhile, the Desert Oasis BBQ & Beer Garden near the 7th hole will now feature elevated sightlines and mouthwatering barbecue from Little Miss BBQ, paired with craft beers.

It seems like the management has really worked on the concerns and to symphonize tradition and new-age changes. For the first time in a long time, fans at TPC Scottsdale are booked to cheer through an upbeat atmosphere without the cramped subway vibes.