Events

The Cup Experience^TM

In its 80-year history, the Ryder Cup has become the most spirited, exciting and compelling event in all of golf. The Ryder Cup is truly one-of-a-kind - which is exactly the kind of thing we do best in Kentucky.

The event will attract 240,000 spectators, 250 of the world's most prestigious companies, 1,500 international media and 600 million television viewers worldwide.

Under the guidance of the Mayor's 2008 Host Committee, community and civic leaders have planned a series of community-wide events and activities known collectively as The Cup Experience.

Humana Fightmaster Cup

September 11-12-13-14 - Cardinal Club, Simpsonville, Kentucky - The first-ever competition between North American champion one-armed golfers and their rivals from Europe. These 12-man teams of highly competitive golfers will square off in a three-day, Ryder Cup format international competition. Named after Louisville's own Don Fightmaster, an internationally known, one-armed golfer who has inspired numerous young men and women with permanent disabilities to take up the game of golf. Admission is free with Cup Pin.
Event schedule:
Thursday, September 11th
Practice rounds 9:00am - 3:00pm
Opening Ceremonies 4:00 - 5:00pm
Friday, September 12th
8:00am Ceremonial "First Shot" followed by Fourball Competition (Best Ball)
1:30pm First Tee Time Afternoon Competition - Foursomes (Alternating Shot)
Saturday, September 13th
8:00am First Tee Time Morning Competition - Fourball Competition (Best Ball)
1:30pm First Tee Time Afternoon Competition - Foursomes (Alternating Shot)
Sunday, September 14th
10:00am First Tee Time - Single Matches
5:30pm Awards Ceremony
For directions to the Cardinal Club, click here.

The public will be able to catch a glimpse of the US and European Ryder Cup players and captains in person as they walk the Red Carpet prior to the Ryder Cup Gala. The event will be held Wednesday, September 17 at approximately 8:30 pm at the Kentucky Center.

The Cup Village^TM

September 17-21 Fourth Street Live! In Downtown Louisville - The central gathering spot for people from Louisville and around the world with food and fun that will last into the wee hours. There will be live concerts each night along with the local restaurants, bars and entertainment venues - J. Gumbo's, Hard Rock Café, Red Star Tavern, T.G.I. Fridays, Sully's Restaurant Saloon, Tengo Sed Cantina, Lucky Strike Lanes, Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge, Angel's Rock Bar, Howl at the Moon and more. Admission is free with Cup Pin.

WEDNESDAY, September 17th

SATURDAY, September 20th

SUNDAY, September 21st

Paul Azinger, U.S. Captain of the 2008 Ryder Cup Team, Mayor Jerry Abramson, Coach Rick Pitino, the University of Louisville Cheerleaders and the Red Rage Pep Band will be at Fourth Street Live at 9:00pm on Thursday, September 18, 2008 for a Pep Rally in honor of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team. Three Dog Night will follow the fun at 9:30pm.

Muhammad Ali Center Plaza
144 North Sixth Street (between Main Street and River Road)
September 17th
With the award-winning Ali Center as a backdrop, Louisville native Muhammad Ali--along with Mayor Jerry Abramson, Deputy First Minister of Wales Ieuan Wyn Jones--and other dignitaries, welcome the national and international visitors to our community. Enjoy a variety of musical entertainment. 6:30 p.m. Free admission.

Soiree Under the Spires^TM

September 19 - Churchill Downs - Leave your black tie at home and enjoy an exclusive gala under the historic Churchill Downs Twin Spires. This is the premier social event of The Cup Experience, featuring a Thoroughbred parade, a cocktail and live entertainment reception in the Turf Club, access to the paddock facilities, a Kentucky bourbon tasting, and a sumptuous gourmet dinner served in Millionaire's Row - perennial gathering place for the Derby's most exclusive clientele.

Over 1,200 guests will include PGA players, former Ryder Cup Captains, celebrities, entertainers and dignitaries from the U.S., Europe and around the world. Tickets $500 per person. VIP tickets $1,000 per person.

The Cup Concert Celebration

September 20 - Middletown Commonwealth Bank Building - The Louisville East-Middletown Chamber of Commerce presents a concert by The Louisville Orchestra and the Monarchs, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Bill of fare will include Kentucky Bourbon, Kentucky wine and Kentucky barbecue along with the music and Kentucky arts and crafts. VIP tables are available. General Admission with Cup Pin. Hours of operation are from 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. For more information, call 502 244-5086 or visit www.middletownchamber.com.

The Flags at Champions Row

The 2008 Ryder Cup will be played at Valhalla Golf Club, September 16-21, 2008. This world-class event has all of Kentucky wanting to celebrate. Take advantage of this branding opportunity as you enter the final two miles to Valhalla. US and European flags will fly along Shelbyville Road on both sides of the scenic parkway leading to the course entrance. Players and guests will know that they are approaching Valhalla for the greatest match play on earth as they are greeted by these flags with corporate pennants hoisted immediately below. Position your Brand as close to the course as you can by participating as a flag sponsor. Here is your company's opportunity to commemorate this spirited international event - purchase a Hospitality Flag and help us welcome the world!

• Each flag will be on a 20-foot flagpole with a 4 x 6 foot flag and 2 x 5 foot sponsor pennant.
• Sponsor Pennant will be navy blue with white lettering and font will be the same on all pennants.
• Flags will be: USA, State, City, The Cup, Ireland, and Scotland etc. etc. etc.
• Flagpoles will be 50 feet apart on both sides of Shelbyville Road from the area of Landis Lakes Center to the east outer edge of Valhalla property (this could be larger).
• At this time we anticipate the Flags to be flying 6 weeks.
• Each flag and sponsor pennant will be given to the sponsor after they are taken down. They must be picked up at the Louisville East-Middletown Chamber office.
• Payment can be made by American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, cash or check.
  Make checks payable to: LEMCC Cup Flags.
• The Flags at Champions Row sponsorship fee is $795.00.
• LEMCC federal ID #61-11500690

Contact information:

The Cup Pin^TM

Summer and Fall 2008 - Similar to the world-renowned and often-duplicated Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pin program, a unique pin will be created to commemorate The Cup Experience. The pin will get you in to many of The Cup Experience activities and events. Pins will be sold at the entrance to activities and events, at retail outlets throughout Louisville and for a discounted price at area Meijer stores.