Golf isn't the only thing at Firestone during PGA TOUR Championship. Here's what to know

Alex Cejka follows his tee shot on No. 17 during the first round of the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship on July 7, 2022, at Firestone Country Club in Akron.
Alex Cejka follows his tee shot on No. 17 during the first round of the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship on July 7, 2022, at Firestone Country Club in Akron.
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There's more than just the action on the fairways for fans to enjoy at this year's 2023 Kaulig Cos. Championship at the Firestone Country Club.

Sure, the likes of defending champion Jerry Kelly and Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer, Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker will be in Akron from July 12 to 16, but this stop on the PGA TOUR Champions has a variety of other activities including concerts.

This year's tournament marks a milestone of sorts as it is the 70th anniversary of professional golf at Firestone Country Club.

This the fourth year Firestone has hosted the PGA TOUR Champions on its famed South Course.

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Don Padgett III, executive director of the tournament, said the addition of Hudson-based Kaulig Cos. as title sponsor means a "new chapter" for the signature Akron event.

The best senior golfers will be in Akron, but Padgett said, there are new partners like the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland will be part of this year's tournament.

"It's a great golf tournament, but there's a lot of fun things for the fans to do too," he said.

John Daly sends his ball down the No. 7 fairway during the Bridgestone Senior Players Pro-Am on June 23, 2021, at Firestone Country Club in Akron.
John Daly sends his ball down the No. 7 fairway during the Bridgestone Senior Players Pro-Am on June 23, 2021, at Firestone Country Club in Akron.

When is the 2023 Kaulig Cos. Championship?

The gate times when the grounds open for fans for the tournament are 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 12, and 9 a.m. Thursday, July 13.

The gates will open at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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How do I get tickets for the 2023 Kaulig Cos. Championship?

Tickets for the Akron tournament are already on sale and available online at kauligchampionship.com/tickets.

The general admission prices range from $10 to $25 and include admission to the Friday and Saturday Concerts at the Course.

Kids ages 18 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.

All active and retired military and their dependents receive complimentary admission along with first responders.

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Who is performing at the 'Rock Out at Firestone' concerts?

The concerts begin once play ends for the day.

On Thursday, July 13, Akron’s Big Pop is the headliner with Dave Rich and the Enablers opening.

The headliner on Friday, July 14, is WANTED: The Bon Jovi Tribute Band with Cleveland-based opener Jaluski that incorporates funk, pop, classic rock and prog.

The Vindys, an alt-rock regional band will perform, with The Sublets – an indie/alternative band with punk influences – opening Saturday's concert.

A fan walks past a Bridgestone sign during the Bridgestone Senior Players Pro-Am at Firestone Country Club on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Akron, Ohio.
A fan walks past a Bridgestone sign during the Bridgestone Senior Players Pro-Am at Firestone Country Club on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Akron, Ohio.

What else is there to do at the Kaulig Cos. Championship?

The tournament will feature the Kaulig Infinity Zone where there will be exhibits and things to do at the entrance to the Kaulig Cos. Championship.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Stage is where the Concert at the Course will be held on select evenings.

Fans will be able to test their putting skills on Golf Greens by Forever Lawn located at various fan areas throughout the venue.

The Kaulig Racing Car Hauler will be at the tournament so fans can check out what Kaulig Racing uses for its team.

The Ruff will feature a petting area with adoptable pets from One of a Kind Pet Rescue.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Pinball Patio will feature an interactive exhibit where fans can play with rock band themed pinball machines.

Situated on the main concourse near the 9th green and 10th tee features comfortable chairs and high-top tables. Sponsored by the Crystal Clinic, the space will be staffed by clinicians, and physical therapists ready to answer any questions.

The Kids Zone sponsored by Meijer will feature the Pro Football Hall of Fame Skills Challenge, mascots, Putt-Putt, face painting, and other activities near the 18th green.

There will also be a bounce house and a video game truck for youngsters.

Where to eat and drink at the Kaulig Cos. Championship

The Celsius Lounge at the main entrance will offer a place to rest and enjoy a beverage or two.

There will also be food options including the Monster Deck that provides views of the course's signature 16th hole, nicknamed the Monster by Arnold Palmer. It will be home to the Michelob Ultra bar with half price beers after a birdie is made on the 16th green.

The Bus Stop food truck will feature the best homemade comfort foods like grilled cheese sandwiches and gourmet PB&J’s.

The Firestone Flats in the middle of the course near the 13th green and 18th tee will be home to the Scott’s Fire & Ice food truck, Firestone’s Back 9 BBQ, and Tito’s Stillhouse with cocktails.

The Legends Pavilion near the 9th green and 10th tee will feature a selection of beers, hot dogs, and burger dogs from Firestone Country Club.

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Barra De Taco food truck will be parked near the driving range.

The 7/12 Grille at the south end of the course near the 7th and 12th holes will feature the Firestone Country Club's Burger Dog and hot dogs.

Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 2023 Kaulig Companies PGA TOUR Championship coming to Akron