Fall '23 - Knights Celebrate on the Links, Montana Getaway & More
Thursday, February 27, 2014
13th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational
April 3 – 6, 2014
Question & Answer
With General Manager Mark Brenneman and Host Michael Jordan
Question: This is the fourth consecutive year that the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI) has been hosted in Las Vegas. How did the first three years go?
Answer: The response from celebrities, sponsors and spectators has been overwhelmingly positive. Our celebrities and sponsors continue to grow while spectators continue to come from all over the world.
Q: Who will the event be partnering with this year in terms of lodging, golf, etc.?
A: Michael Jordan is our tournament host, Aria our tournament home and Shadow Creek our tournament site.
Q: What has the event raised total over all 12 years?
A: Since inception in 2001, the MJCI has raised nearly $7 million for charities. Local beneficiaries in the past have included Make-A-Wish Foundation and Opportunity Village.
Q: Who are some big names that have attended the event in the past? Any hints on who will be there this year?
A: Our tournament host, Michael Jordan, of course, and during the past three years we have had Wayne Gretzky, Michael Phelps, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Brandi Chastain among many, many others. This year’s celebrity list is being finalized now, but there will be a few new surprises.
Q: What makes the MJCI such a special celebrity fundraising event?
A: The MJCI is such a special event for so many reasons. The most gratifying aspect of hosting it is what we’ve been able to give back over the years. For the celebrities, it’s a chance to play some great golf at Shadow Creek—one of Michael’s favorite golf courses—see old friends and make some new ones and have fun, all while raising money and helping others. There’s a real mystique about Shadow Creek, both for the celebrities who haven’t played it before, and for the spectators who rarely get a chance to see it. Every year, it seems like everyone—players and fans alike—are really enjoying themselves out there.
Q: Anything different this year than in years past?
A: While the Shadow Creek stage is spectacular, we are always trying to improve the player and gallery experience. We really want everyone to leave Shadow Creek saying, “Wow, what a day!” and by everyone we mean players, spectators, staff and over 700 volunteers.
Q: Any tips on how I can enjoy the event as a spectator? Best places to watch from? Shaded areas? Great holes to watch other than 18?
A: In almost all sporting events a person has an assigned seat and events unfold from the same stationary perspective (that includes at home on a couch!). However, in a golf tournament, a person can sit or stand under a shady tree and let the action come to them or they can stroll along and follow play at their own pace. It’s kind of energizing and at the same time very peaceful. I don’t mean to be boastful, but there are 18 great holes of golf to see at Shadow Creek and different aspects of different holes will appeal to different people for different reasons. It’s a pick-em.
Q: How close can I get to the celebrities? Is there an autograph policy?
A: A person can get extremely close to celebrities and we have designated autograph areas for those interested in that.
Schedule
Thursday and Friday: 7:30 a.m. until dark – Celebrity/Amateur
Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. – Celebrities only
Ticket Information
Tickets are on sale and available at all 10 MGM Resorts’ box offices and concierge desks in Las Vegas, and online at www.aria.com, www.mjcigolf.com and www.shadowcreek.com. Fans who wish to experience this exclusive event can purchase daily or weekly general admission and VIP ticket packages. VIP guests will enjoy added perks including free general admission parking at Shadow Creek (a $10 daily value), unparalleled views from multiple open-air VIP hospitality decks, complimentary food and full-service bars. Discounted tickets are available for military service members, senior citizens 65 years of age or older and college/university students with valid identification. Additionally, the tournament offers a “Bring the Kids for Free” general admission ticket pass which provides access to Shadow Creek for youth 17 years of age and younger when accompanied by a general admission ticketed adult (up to two children per paid adult). All ticket holders can enjoy complimentary shuttle service between ARIA and Shadow Creek.
For more information about MJCI, visit aria.com, MJCIgolf.com or call 877-253-5847.