Politics & Government
Questions About the 2015 U.S. Open? Come to Next Week's County Council Meeting in UP
Pierce County public officials are anticipating the impacts of the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay and have been studying up for a public presentation in University Place on June 27, 2013.
With the 2015 Chambers Bay right around the corner, are we ready for 235,000 visitors in our backyard?
Why did the USGA pick Chambers Bay as the site of the 2015 U.S. Open?
When can people register to volunteer?
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When do tickets go on sale?
How will spectators get to the site?
Find out what's happening in University Placewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The meeting will feature a presentation by Danny Sink, the United States Golf Association's on-site championship director, just days after his return from a month-long assignment supporting the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club near Philadelphia. Former County Executive John Ladenburg will make brief remarks about the conversion of the site from a sand and gravel pit to U.S. Open site and park. And county officials will give an update on planning for the championship.
"The U.S. Open is one of the premiere sporting events in the world, and it is coming to the Pacific Northwest for the first time in its history," said County Councilmember Connie Ladenburg, who will preside over the meeting being held in the District 4 area she represents. "This is a great opportunity for residents and business owners to come learn about the championship, including the timeline for preparations."
The U.S. Open will be conducted June 15-21, 2015, which includes three practice days before the four-day championship rounds. The USGA is planning on total attendance of 235,000 spectators, volunteers, media, vendors and staff.
To prepare for the 2015 event, 13 Pierce County officials and representatives from West Pierce Fire & Rescue attended the 2013 U.S. Open in Merion last week to study various issues surrounding the event, including public safety, traffic and city marketing.This trip costed taxpayers at least $31,500, according to The Tacoma News Tribune.
Officials told the TNT that the things they experienced, "you can't learn on a Powerpoint." After seeing how the USGA handled visitors to Merion, including renting space in local backyards and regulated bus trips to and from the event, UP Chief Mike Blair said, "this can be done."
(Read more on The Tacoma News Tribune)
What questions do you have about the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay? Tell us in the comments.
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