SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Fans were out bright and early for the continuation of the second round and the start of the third round of the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale on Saturday.
The crowd actually got so big, the tournament had to stop letting fans in and stop the shuttle service to the course from parking lots on Saturday afternoon. Fans who did decide to leave the tournament were able to take shuttles back to their parking lots.
But that wasn't the only major change at the People's Open on Saturday as the tournament also cut off alcohol sales. The Scottsdale Police Department told 12News this was all due to the size of the crowds.
"Due to the larger than usual crowds, alcohol sales were stopped at certain locations by SPD to encourage people to move to open areas on the course," a statement from the department read. "The entry was put on pause to ensure the safe movement of attendees to and from the event. This has been done in previous years when there are larger than usual crowds. The gate was temporarily closed to let people inside the venue move around or exit, before letting others through the gate."
Tournament officials released a statement apologizing for "any inconvenience" caused by Saturday's closure:
Associated Press sports reporter David Brandt called the scene at TPC Scottsdale on Saturday "bonkers."
The move to put a pause on alcohol sales wasn't popular at the famous 16th hole as fans chanted "We want beer!"
Some fans were not surprised by the move on social media.
The move made other fans question going to the tournament in the first place.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. The Coyotes play at Mullett Arena on ASU's Tempe campus.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
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