SILVIS – The first note has yet to play, but already the new “Concerts on the Course” series is delivering sweet music to the ears of John Deere Classic officials.
It also sounds great to the nearly 500 local charities that received a record $13.9 million in proceeds from last year’s local PGA Tour stop.
“Ticket sales are going really well,” said Tournament Director Andrew Lehman of the uptick in demand mere days before the first show Saturday that will follow the third round of golf action.
“The ‘Concerts on the Course’ series has added to that with folks who may have been on the fence with attending (the golf tournament) in person.”
CBS televises the final two rounds this weekend to a worldwide audience. Golf Channel also provides TV coverage during all four competitive rounds Thursday-Sunday.
However, the only place to see “Concerts on the Course” is at TPC Deere Run in Silvis.
That means there will be a lot of newcomers among the concertgoers to see Grammy Award-winning country music stars Darius Rucker (Saturday) and Blake Shelton (Sunday).
The shows are expected to start near the 18th green at approximately 5:45 p.m. each day after the final putt drops. A same-day ticket to the golf tournament is all fans need to see the post-round shows.
If you plan to come to a show (or two), keep in mind that re-entry is not allowed. Gates close daily at 4 p.m., so be sure to arrive before then as refunds will not be available.
For ticket information, visit johndeereclassic.com.
“The biggest thing we are stressing (to music fans planning to arrive late) is to get to the course prior to (the admission) gates closing at 4 p.m.,” said Ashley Hansen, the assistant tournament director.
There will be no reserved seating on the 18th green hillside, she added. General spectating areas will be first come, first served. Spectators are welcome to bring lawn chairs (no bags) or blankets to sit on, but the JDC staff asks that all fans be courteous and share the space.
The Green and Fairway will be roped off and manned with security to ensure that the surface remains playable for the remainder of the tournament. Please do not try to enter roped off areas. Fans who do so will be removed from the course by security.
The concession stand areas near the 18th green will remain open so attendees may purchase food and drink before and during the concerts.
Tournament personnel and security will be available to help concertgoers at a bus loading area near the No. 9 fairway after the shows. For JDC veterans, please note that this is different from the area where you would normally load the buses to leave the course.
The JDC staff reminds attendees to drink responsibly during the event, and not to drink and drive.
Concert days and times are subject to change as weather and tournament play permits. Consult the JDC’s social media sites (including Facebook) for the most timely updates.
Tournament tips
To help newcomers and veterans alike prepare for fun, Ms. Hansen has shared some tips:
- Download your tickets onto your cell phone through Apple Wallet or the Google Play App before you arrive to avoid internet issues at the gate. Be sure to download and present the correct ticket if you are attending both shows.
The JDC recommends purchasing tickets in advance at johndeereclassic.com. Tickets purchased online are cheaper than at the gate, and will be delivered digitally. To see how digital tickets work, watch this video. - Parking is free for ticket holders in assigned JDC lots at Black Hawk College (public), the Bend XPO (public) and the Rock Island County Fairgrounds (VIP). This does not include parking in surrounding neighborhoods. Remember where you parked so you may take the appropriate shuttle to return to your vehicle.
Handicapped parking (with an appropriate tag) is available at Circle Drive at the tournament entrance. For those who need a courtesy cart to transfer from the entrance to the course and back, call (309) 236-1816.
Shuttles begin at 6 a.m. Wednesday-Sunday, and run continuously until one hour after play ends and until everyone is off the course following the “Concerts on the Course” shows on Saturday and Sunday. - Consult the prohibited items list before you arrive. For example, do not bring large bags, knives, firearms, weapons of any nature, cameras, coolers, beverages (other than a sealed bottle or water or specialty items such as baby formula), or signs/posters/banners.
- All bags must be 6 inches by 6 inches or smaller, according to the PGA Tour’s policy. Clear plastic bags are permitted, but cannot be larger than 12 inches by 6 inches, or the size of a gallon bag. Medically necessary bags are allowed but are subject to search at the admissions gate.
- Umbrellas are allowed without sleeves. Binoculars are permitted without a case.
- Collapsible lawn chairs without chair bags are permitted. Should you wish to rent a chair, a limited supply is available for $10 per chair, per day, near the No. 9 green. Proceeds will be donated to Birdies for Charity.
- Mobile devices must be in silent mode. Receiving or placing calls are limited to designated “Cell Phone Zones.” Data use, including texting and emailing, is permitted in all areas.
- Spectators are allowed to take photos on the course, except in areas of competition during official rounds or when requested to refrain by players, security or officials. Flash may not be used.
Cameras are not permitted Thursday-Sunday without media photo credentials. Content is for personal use only, and may not be used for commercial purposes.
Live streaming and real-time coverage is not permitted. Please be respectful of play and do not interfere with players, caddies or media. - Autographs are only permitted in designated “Autograph Zones” following play.
- Port-a-lets and comfort stations are available throughout the course. A medical tent is available for those feeling ill after arriving.
- The JDC is a cashless event, so plan to use debit or credit cards for everything from admissions to concessions. Apple and Google Pay are also accepted.
- Please read the PGA Tour’s Code of Conduct for unruly and disruptive behavior to avoid ejection from the course.
