The 2023 Valspar Championship is less than a month away and General Chair Rondé Barber and Tournament Director Tracy West are expecting an exciting week of PGA TOUR golf and other fun-filled activities including a Saturday night appearance by Country Music Superstar Darius Rucker. Tampa Bay’s PGA TOUR event is March 13-19 on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor.
The current tournament field is headed by two-time Defending Champion Sam Burns and four-time Major Champion Jordan Spieth (the 2015 Valspar Championship winner). “We have been impacted some by changes in the golf world, but we are pleased with the way our field is developing,” says West. “We believe we will have some significant additions in the next few weeks.” Significant field updates will be shared on social media and the current field is at ValsparChampionship.com.
Speaking on a conference call at Media Day, Burns said, “I really enjoy the Valspar Championship. It has such a great vibe. The fans are tremendous. The players all respect the Copperhead Course and enjoy the event. I’ve met so many great people there, the staff, the volunteers, the kids in the gallery. Caroline and I are really looking forward to being back in Tampa Bay.”
The Valspar Championship is operated by Copperhead Charities. In 2023, the total charitable impact for the group’s history since 1977 should pass the $50 million mark.
“We have had a strong year with sponsorships and ticket sales are tracking slightly ahead of last year when we had an exceptional gallery,” says West. “We have resumed our Birdies for Tampa Bay Charities program this year and expect to have a substantial amount to donate later this spring.”
COMPETITION DAYS
Thursday, March 16
Rondé Barber Appreciation Day presented by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tournament General Chair Rondé Barber will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this August and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Valspar Championship are combining to salute him on Thursday. Fans are encouraged to wear Barber and Buccaneers gear and the first 5,000 patrons will receive a Barber keepsake. At the conclusion of play, around 7 pm, Barber will be saluted at the 18th green with videos and a distinguished roster of guests.
“Playing football was my passion,” says Barber who set an NFL defensive back record with 215 consecutive starts in his 16-season career. “Now, I am fully committed to supporting the Valspar Championship and making it the best possible PGA TOUR event, raising the most money possible for area charity.”
Friday, March 17
St. Patrick’s Day
Patrons are encouraged to wear green and those who catch the eye of tournament representatives for their Irish-themed outfits will earn a chance to win flights for two to anywhere in the contiguous 48 states on Delta Air Lines.
Saturday, March 18
Valspar LIVE presented by Chick-fil-A
Darius Rucker hits the stage after the conclusion of play Saturday on the nearby Osprey Driving Range for the 8th Valspar LIVE presented by Chick-fil-A concert event. The 90-minute show is free for all ticketed golf fans.
A three-time GRAMMY winner, Rucker has released four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart and has topped the charts at Country radio 10 times with hit singles including his 9x Platinum version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time, and, most recently, “Beers and Sunshine.”
Chris Young and Big & Rich performed in 2022, after COVID restrictions prevented a concert in 2021 and cancelled the tournament in 2020. The other Valspar LIVE acts have been The Band Perry (2015), Rascal Flatts (2016), Toby Keith (2017), Jake Owen and Dustin Lynch (2018) and Brad Paisley (2019).
Sunday, March 19
A Champion Is Crowned on AmeriLife Feeding Tampa Bay Day
Tournament patrons are being asked to bring canned goods and other non-perishables to the course for the benefit of Feeding Tampa Bay as the tournament comes to its conclusion. Sam Burns will be attempting the first three-peat on the PGA TOUR since 2011 (Steve Stricker at the John Deere Classic).
SPECIAL LOCATIONS
The Valspar Championship now features one of the most extensive “course builds” on the PGA TOUR with numerous special locations around the course.
Some are open to the public with grounds tickets free of charge. These include the Publix Chillounge between the 8th hole and 9th tee and Frenchy’s Pool Party near the Copperhead Clubhouse near the 1st tee. Three other locations are clustered around the turn with the Josh Cellars Wine Garden, the Celebrity Cruises Luxury Deck and the new Expo Grove with exhibitors and contests.
On the back nine, the 10th green is the spot for the Horse Soldier Lounge, the 13th green is the Maestro Dobel Margarita Deck and the Michelob ULTRA CLUB is now on the 14th fairway.
Kids of all ages will love the Florida Blue Family Fun Zone located between the 8th green and 9th fairway. This interactive area features a variety of games, including a putt-putt course. It’s adjacent to the Publix Chillounge, a great spot for lunch.
Back at the 18th green is the Valspar Block Party at the Tampa General Hospital Courtyard which features Valspar’s 2023 Colors of the Year. It includes tiny homes painted inside and out with Valspar Reserve Interior Paint and Valspar Defense Exterior Paint and the Valspar Color Cabana Showcase.
The Valspar Championship also has several premium viewing areas with included food and beverage for an upgrade charge. The Hooters Owl’s Nest returns to the 12th green/13th tee. The 16th and 17th holes are home to the Snake Pit Clubs with venues sponsored by Ketel One at 16 and AmeriLife at 17.
New in 2023 is The Rooftop presented by DEX Imaging and designed by Ashley at the 18th green. Perched above the luxury suites, The Rooftop contains an all-inclusive premium bar, food for purchase and entertainment between groups. Colt Knost of CBS Sports will host all four days while interacting with special guests like Rondé Barber and others. Plus, Tampa favorite DJ Fresh for music between groups.
For full information ValsparChampionship.com
