\u201cYou\u2019re just talking about the number of people who walked through the gate. You\u2019re talking about the amount of revenue we raised. The hospitality venues that are sold out, the new hospitality that we\u2019ve opened up,\u201d Miller said.<\/p>\n
![\"Robert](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/golf\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MXYE7ES7IJBZTECIQU5VMWZP3Y.png\")
Robert Miller, the Executive Director of the FedEx St. Jude Championship(Action News 5)<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s tournament also posted its most-watched final round in more than a decade and its highest average viewership. The event has generated more than $100 million in economic impact for Memphis.<\/p>\n
When asked whether there is pressure to outperform the previous year, Miller said, \u201cOne hundred percent.\u201d<\/p>\n
PGA Tour tier changes threaten Memphis\u2019s long-term status<\/p>\n
The tournament, which began as the Memphis Open in 1958, is guaranteed to return in 2027 \u2014 marking the 70th PGA Tour event held in Memphis. However, 2027 also marks the end of the current FedEx sponsorship deal with the PGA Tour<\/a> and the end of the tournament\u2019s standing as a Championship Series event in Memphis.<\/p>\n Under the PGA Tour\u2019s tier structure, the Championship Series consists of roughly two dozen tournaments offering more prize money. Beginning in 2028, Memphis would move to the Challenger Series \u2014 a lower tier of at least 20 tournaments with smaller purses and a reduced profile.<\/p>\n Miller said the 2028 situation is still being worked out.<\/p>\n \u201cI know that\u2019s a big topic of conversation right now. In the future, there\u2019s a lot that\u2019s going to come out. I am focused on \u201926, to make sure I bring us a championship event… but like I said, we\u2019re guaranteed for \u201927, which is great, and then \u201928 is what they\u2019re working on right now,\u201d Miller said.<\/p>\n What fans can expect at this year\u2019s event<\/p>\n Organizers have expanded the fan and production footprint for 2026, including 93 structures, more than 125,000 square feet of flooring, nearly 17,000 feet of fencing, 17 scoreboards, and nearly a dozen indoor and outdoor viewing platforms.<\/p>\n A new Grounds+ program allows ticketholders to receive most concessions at no additional cost. Two children ages 15 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.<\/p>\n Miller said affordability was a priority in planning this year\u2019s event.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you go somewhere like the Ryder Cup, you\u2019re talking about $400 a ticket. This is the first round of the FedEx St. Jude playoffs, and it\u2019s only $99 a ticket. That is something we\u2019re very proud of… to be able to offer here in Memphis,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Scheffler headlining this year\u2019s field<\/p>\n World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler is confirmed<\/a> to compete this week.<\/p>\n \u201cThe number one golfer in the world told us that he\u2019s going to be here. The staff was fired up when that happened. No matter what people say about Memphis or what their thoughts are on Memphis, when they come to Memphis and really get to experience the city, experience the restaurants, experience this event, they all leave here and come back wanting more,\u201d Miller said.<\/p>\n St. Jude Children\u2019s Research Hospital has been the primary beneficiary of Memphis\u2019s PGA Tour stop since 1970. FedEx has called the tour\u2019s decision to remove the Championship Series from Memphis a disappointment, but said the company will find new ways to partner with St. Jude to advance their mission.<\/p>\n Click here to purchase tickets or lean more about this year\u2019s event.<\/a><\/p>\n