Biltmore Championship Asheville: A Local Boost
Location: Arden, N.C.
Event: Inaugural Biltmore Championship
Dates: Thursday through Sunday
The Biltmore Championship Asheville has kicked off, bringing PGA Tour competition to western North Carolina and creating a platform for local businesses to shine.
Highlights of the Event:
- Venue: The Cliffs at Walnut Cove
- Local Involvement: Asheville-area food and beverage businesses are showcasing their offerings, enhancing the spectator experience while gaining visibility.
- Community Impact: Local entrepreneur Ginger Frank of Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn emphasized how the exposure also serves as an inspiration for local students, showcasing various opportunities.
Frank collaborated with Asheville High School students to design artwork for a limited-edition tournament bag that features a unique popcorn mix: Biltmore Championship Signature Mix, combining pimento cheese and salted caramel popcorn.
Frank stated, “It was a really cool experience,” highlighting how local artistry captures the essence of the mountains.
Economic Contributions:
- The event is projected to generate $10 million in direct spending for the Asheville area.
- Poppy will contribute $6,000 to support MANNA FoodBank through ticket sales.
Featured Local Products:
-
The Hop Ice Cream: Known for its unique flavors, will offer the chocolate “Hole-in-One” ice cream featuring marshmallow golf balls and caramel swirls, originally created for Lakeview Putt and Play.
Greg Garrison from The Hop expressed optimism about the event’s potential to attract new customers, framing it as a strategic move to invigorate the local economy post-disaster.
-
Biltmore Winery: Has introduced “The Caddie” wine, a special blend for the championship.
-
Devil’s Foot Beverage: Will feature specially crafted canned cocktails.
Event Logistics:
- Gates Open: 6:30 a.m. Friday; 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
- Tee Times Today: Until 2 p.m.
This collaboration between local businesses and the PGA Tour aims not only to enhance the championship experience but also to strengthen the local economy and community spirit in western North Carolina.
