2023 WM Phoenix Open Concert Preview

The WM Phoenix Open is technically a daytime event, but organizers work hard to keep the party going long into the night. After debuting in 2022, the Concert in the Coliseum at the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale returns to its midweek slot, while the 2023 Coors Light Birds Nest – located across the street from “The Greatest Show on Grass” – resumes its rightful place among the Valley’s top annual music events on the weekend with performances from chart-topping artists. Tips and a night-by-night roundup:

Dos & Don’ts

• DO double-check the schedule. You don’t want to be a Gryffin fan and show up the night MacKenzie Porter is headlining.
• DO consider buying a VIP ticket if you covet a spot in the pit in front of the stage. Costly? Yes ($285+), but it includes free food and drinks… and room for line-dancing to Jason Aldean.
• DO have patience when you head in there – you’ll be joined by up to 10,000 of your closest friends.

• DON’T forget your ID. You won’t get in without one. No matter how old you are. Seriously.
• DON’T drive home. Uber and Lyft pickup points are right behind the Birds Nest.
• DON’T ask your Thunderbird friend for free tickets. They have to pay for their tickets like everyone else, and are not issued freebies.

If You Go

Where: TPC 16th hole (Wednesday) and Coors Light Birds Nest tent near the main entrance (Thursday-Saturday)

When: February 8-12. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

How much: GA, $75 and up; VIP, $285 and up

Info: wmphoenixopen.com 

Wednesday

Concert in the Coliseum 

The “Please Hide Your Phone” Show

Maroon 5: With hits like “This Love,” the Los Angeles alt-rock band is easily one of the most popular acts of the last 20 years, but lead singer Adam Levine’s leaked Instagram DMs have recently dominated headlines.

Walker Hayes: Maybe the rising country-pop star, sober since 2015, can take away Levine’s phone and teach him some manners.

You Might Like If: You like “Mark,” the no-phone fan who went viral at the 2022 Masters. He rose to fame watching Tiger Woods make an amazing shot in the tournament’s second round instead of taking out his phone. Michelob Ultra gave him a deal for his old-school style.

Thursday

Drinkin’ Songs for All

Jason Aldean: The outspoken artist is known for throwing back a few, which has sometimes gotten him in trouble (just ask his ex-wife). It also makes the country singer the perfect performer for “The People’s Open.” Notably, Aldean owns a hunting company with some baseball players and Willie from Duck Dynasty.

MacKenzie Porter: The former Canadian child actress made her American debut with the aptly titled EP Drinkin’ Songs. 

You Might Like If: You love Tour fixture Brian Harman, who told Golfweek he works on his mental game while hunting elk and other wild game.

Friday

The “Wild Boy” Show

Machine Gun Kelly: The rapper/actor from Cleveland is probably best known for his clickbait romance with Megan Fox. But it isn’t his engagement to the actress that has him filling the Coors Light Birds Nest this year. The artist behind the dark, confessional single “Glass House” dabbles in many genres, which has earned him the respect and ire of many in the business.

You Might Like If: You follow past WMPO competitor Daniel Berger, whose relationship status with model Victoria Slater is the topic of much e-tabloid fascination.

Saturday

The “Everybody Hates Me” Show

The Chainsmokers: Critics and fans credit the EDM duo with popularizing the genre – or being the cause of its downfall. Stunts like selling NFTs that give streaming royalties from their latest album, So Far So Good, aren’t helping their cause.

Gryffin: The DJ’s remix of the track “Animals” by Concert in the Coliseum artist Maroon 5 led to his popularity on the festival circuit.

You Might Like If: You’re a fan of pariah golfer Rory Sabbatini, whom Sports Illustrated once dubbed “the most hated man in golf.”