Rocket Classic Presented by AlumniFi announces lineup of partner activations, fan-friendly experiences and giveaways for 2026
Detroit-area golf fans will experience the Rocket Classic Presented by AlumniFi like never before when the PGA TOUR returns to Detroit Golf Club July 30–August 2. Throughout the week, tournament partners will offer a variety of interactive activations and entertainment for fans of all ages.
New Fan Experiences
This year, the Rocket Classic will debut the Rocket Dream Nine, a first-of-its-kind PGA TOUR activation featuring a nine-hole immersive mini golf course spread across three activation sites throughout the course. Each site will celebrate and bring to life different motifs that represent and showcase Detroit through the built environment and experience – design, music and food. These fan zones are located around No. 2 green, No. 5 tee and No. 11 green on the restored Detroit Golf Club course.
The Range Presented by Bedrock is a new fan destination designed for relaxation, entertainment and socializing throughout tournament week. Open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., fans can unwind in a large, covered lounge tent with seating, enjoy full bar service, take in the action from Adirondack chair viewing areas, visit the cigar lounge and test their skills in a hole-in-one challenge. The Range will also feature family-friendly entertainment, including caricature artists and face painters, while the Motown Museum Music Stage will showcase live performances by Hitsville NEXT and other local artists between 4–7 p.m. each day, Thursday through Saturday, following tournament play.
Food and Drink
Food and beverage offerings throughout Detroit Golf Club will feature something for every fan. Concession stands will continue the tradition of honoring recent Rocket Classic champions with a signature menu item inspired by the tournament’s defending champion. This year, fans can order the A.P. Gatsby Sandwich, named in honor of 2025 winner Aldrich Potgieter. The sandwich features seasoned ribeye, mozzarella, crispy french fries, fresh vegetables and house-made peri-peri aioli served on a toasted brioche hoagie.
Fans can also head to The Grove, located near holes 10 and 11, which will feature Detroit’s own Smokey G’s Smokehouse serving its most popular menu items, along with an AlumniFi putting green. Fans can earn points to redeem for prizes in the AlumniFi Zone, compete for Greyson Clothiers gift cards and visit the DTE Energy activation, featuring EV charging demonstrations, games and prizes.
Guests 21 and older can also visit the Espresso Martini Lounge near the ninth green for signature espresso martinis and live entertainment during tournament week, or enjoy the Classic Caddie, a signature cocktail served in a collectible souvenir cup featuring Maestro Dobel Silver Tequila, raspberry syrup, Simply Pineapple juice and a lime garnish. During Rocket Classic Power Hour, fans ages 21 and older can celebrate Detroit’s 313 spirit with $3.13 off alcoholic beverages at all public concession stands.
Families are covered, too. Kids ages 15 and under will receive a complimentary meal voucher, courtesy of United Dairy of Michigan, redeemable at concession stands throughout the course.
More to Explore
Beyond the tournament’s featured fan destinations, there will be even more to discover at Detroit Golf Club. Charity Row will welcome philanthropic partners Black Tech Saturdays; Human-I-T; First Tee – Greater Detroit; College, Career & Beyond | Midnight Golf; Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) and People for Palmer Park – giving fans the opportunity to learn more about each organization’s mission while enjoying daily giveaways.
Fans looking to test their own game can stop by the Long Game Lounge presented by Plante Moran Wealth Management, located near the 1899 Heritage Club on the right side of the 10th fairway and behind the 14th green, to play a simulated version of Detroit Golf Club and compare their performance to the PGA TOUR stars competing that week.
The Rocket Classic Merchandise Tent will also feature new apparel vendors, including adidas, lululemon, Good Good Golf and Detroit-based brands Kiwiclo, Kiloh & Co. and Del Campo Socks.
Theme Days
Wednesday, July 29 is Detroit Community Day. All fans can take advantage of complimentary parking and admission to watch the Delta Dental Pro-Am throughout the day and enjoy the First Tee – Greater Detroit Youth Clinic Presented by United Dairy Industry of Michigan from 4-5:30 p.m. Kids can meet, greet and take photos with PGA TOUR professionals, learn golf fundamentals and enjoy complimentary food and refreshments.
Thursday, July 30 is the first round of the Rocket Classic and has been designated as Bow Tie Day, created to honor the memory of Nick Gilbert, son of Dan and Jennifer Gilbert, to spread awareness about neurofibromatosis (NF). NF is a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerve pathways throughout the body. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most common form of the disease, affecting approximately one in every 2,500 births.
In 2011, Nick represented the Dan Gilbert-owned Cleveland Cavaliers at the NBA Draft Lottery wearing his signature bow tie, beginning a four-year span that saw the team win the No. 1 draft pick three times. Since then, the Bow Tie has become a symbol associated with Nick’s passion, optimism, and love for life.
Fan Amenities
To help fans stay cool and comfortable all week long, Rocket will offer a variety of on-course amenities. Rocket Cool Zones featuring fans and water misters will be located near the 9th and 17th greens, as well as between the 11th and 13th greens. Complimentary Rocket Water Stations will also be available near the 9th, 16th and 18th greens, making it easy for fans to refill reusable water bottles.
Many of these areas are prime locations to watch the most exciting golf action. With the expansion of additional areas around the 18th green for grounds pass holders to watch players coming down the stretch, there are more prime sightlines across the golf course than ever before.
From interactive fan activations and live entertainment to signature food and beverage offerings and family-friendly amenities, the Rocket Classic is designed to deliver an unforgettable experience. For more information on the Rocket Classic and to purchase tickets, visit rocketclassic.com.
The Rocket Classic made history in 2019 as the first PGA TOUR event ever held in the city of Detroit and has continued to make a positive and lasting impact on the city and its residents through its multi-year “Changing the Course” campaign, established in 2020 to end the digital divide in Detroit and ensure digital accessibility for all city residents. The Rocket Classic was the most awarded event during the 2018-19 PGA TOUR season, being recognized for “Best Special Event” (then known as the AREA 313 Celebrity Challenge) and “Best Tournament Sales” as well as being honored with the first “Fair Way Award” for its diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Fair Way Award was bestowed upon the Rocket Classic again in 2023 and 2024, and in 2024 the tournament also received the Best Volunteer Program award. More information is available at RocketClassic.com and on Facebook, X and Instagram (@RocketClassic).