Grammy-nominated country artist Sam Hunt will be the featured artist to perform at Military Appreciation Day at THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP 2017.
To be held at 6:30 p.m. May 9, the concert will be held at TPC Sawgrass on the Stadium Course’s 17th hole.
“I’m extremely excited to perform for our troops on the famed 17th hole during THE PLAYERS Championship,” Hunt said. “This tournament does so much to support the men and women serving our country. I am grateful to be part of the festivities and am looking forward to putting on a great show.”
On Feb. 1, Hunt released his latest single, “Body Like a Backroad,” which landed on the Billboard “Hot 100” as his highest-debuting single. It also premiered at No. 1 on iTunes charts. With its release, Hunt will visit 29 cities this summer as part of his “15 in a 30” tour.
Hunt’s debut album on MCA Nashville, “Montevallo,” is the best-selling debut album from a country artist since 2011. The album featured the triple-platinum-selling No. 1 smash single, “Leave the Night On,” as well as other No. 1 singles, “Take your Time” and “House Party.”
“We are eagerly anticipating the 2017 Military Appreciation Day concert with Sam Hunt,” said Kevin English, THE PLAYERS 2017 volunteer chairman. “Fans will have access to the amenities located around the famous Island Green, like our permanent restroom facilities and various food and beverage options.”
A Military Appreciation Day ceremony will precede the concert at 6 p.m. Both the ceremony and concert are free to any Tuesday ticket holder for the tournament, with Tuesday stadium passes starting at $25. Parking is free on Tuesday and Wednesday of tournament week.
[CUT STORY HERE IF WHOLE ARTICLE WON’T FIT]
Other military appreciation activities and programs
In addition to the concert, THE PLAYERS provides all career military (active duty, reserve, military retirees and dependents) with complimentary admission to the tournament throughout the week and discounted admission for veterans. Military personnel will have access to the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost, a hospitality tent near the tee at No. 16 reserved exclusively for the military that offers complimentary food, beverages and activities. To obtain vouchers, visit THEPLAYERSChampionship.com and click on the military link. Parking is not included with the free or discounted ticket Thursday through Sunday. All parking on Tuesday and Wednesday is free.
Prior to tournament week, THE PLAYERS will host its sixth annual Military Job Fair May 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost. In partnership with the Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition, the Military Job Fair is free and open to military personnel, veterans and military spouses who are seeking employment. There will be approximately 50 companies on hand, all with open hiring opportunities. Free career counseling and resume-writing assistance will be provided as well as information on local educational institutions with veterans’ programs. Previous fairs have seen attendance of more than 500 military job seekers and 40 companies participating.
Then on May 7, THE PLAYERS and Birdies for the Brave will again partner with Operation Shower to host a group baby shower for 40 military moms-to-be. Scheduled to be held from noon to 2 p.m. in the Patriots’ Outpost, the event will be hosted by PGA Tour player Jim Furyk and his wife, Tabitha, and will feature Operation Shower’s signature Shower-In-A-Box – gifts of high-quality products for the moms and babies that have been provided by sponsors and donors.