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For the first time in the history of THE PLAYERS Championship downtown Jacksonville will host a special Friday night event.

Fireworks over Jacksonville

THE PLAYERS Downtown Experience will take place along the riverfront by The Jacksonville Landing. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. on May 11 complete with golf experiences, including a 9-hole putting challenge, an inflatable driving range, Golden Tee and other interactive games, live entertainment by Diggin' in Dreamland, drink specials food vendors, autograph sessions by members of the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour.

Throughout the day jumbo-tron screens will allow golf enthusiasts to watch championship highlights live during the event. In addition, The First Tee of Jacksonville will provide five-minute golf lessons that include grip, swing and putting instruction.

Members of The PGA TOUR Wives Association will be on hand to raffle off a limited edition Pink Lady Golf Bag, autographed by participants of THE PLAYERS Championship and their wives, to raise funds for the local Ronald McDonald House and other PGA TOUR Wives Association Charities.

Jacksonville's Mayor John Peyton and the City of Jacksonville looks to hit a hole-in-one with THE PLAYERS Downtown Experience in the spirit of THE PLAYERS Championship which will culminate at 10 p.m. with a spectacular fireworks show over the river.

"As THE PLAYERS Championship grows in national stature and in spectators visiting from around the globe, it is important that the entire First Coast area show support and pride and welcome these visitors," said Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship Brian Goin. "We expect THE PLAYERS Downtown Experience to grow and draw both spectators and locals to this exciting downtown environment."

As part of THE PLAYERS Downtown Experience, complimentary motor coaches will be available for transportation for both travelers and locals from the north and south banks of downtown heading to and from the championship on Friday only.

Pick ups are from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at various downtown hotels and will drop guests at the championship's front door. Return coaches are available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will have a drop off location at The Jacksonville Landing for the festivities.

"THE PLAYERS has been greatly supported by Jacksonville residents since it began many years ago," said Mayor John Peyton. "This initiative expands the excitement and fun of the tournament to downtown Jacksonville and many of the very people who have been volunteers, bought tickets and supported the event. I am looking forward to these inaugural festivities that will offer golf-related activities and attractions for all ages."

"The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is excited to be a partner with Mayor Peyton, the City of Jacksonville Special Events Department, the Duval Tourist Development Council (TCD), First Coast of Golf and The PGA Tour in creating THE PLAYERS Championship Downtown Experience," said John Reyes, president and CEO of the CVB. "The Downtown Experience is being created to provide visitors and Jacksonville residents the opportunity to see, touch and feel the best of THE PLAYERS Championship and create an annual signature event celebrating THE PLAYERS Championship."

THE PLAYERS Experience host committee consists of chair Michael Corrigan of the TDC, vice-chair Theresa O'Donnell Price of the City of Jacksonville Special Events, Jim Dalton of the Dalton Agency, Brian Goin Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship, David Reese of Florida's First Coast of Golf, John Reyes of the CVB, Charlene Shirk of THE PLAYERS Championship and Phil Tufano of the Jacksonville Hotel and Motel Association.