The Greatest Game on Grass

It's FBR Open week, one of the Valley's biggest events. Although it may be overshadowed locally, at least a little, this year by the Super Bowl (go Cards!), it still holds title to "The Greatest Game on Grass."

Here are a few tips:

• Tickets are relatively easy to come by. Companies hand them out as perks, and salesmen use them to court clients. If you're in need of a pair, though, check Craigslist, where's there's never a shortage. Of course, you can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster or online at www.fbropen.com, but if you need another option, add them to your grocery list. Tickets are available at local Fry's Marketplace Stores, too.
• Beware what you bring. No weapons, even guns with a permit. No purses bigger than 6" x 6" x 6". No cameras. No radios. And, no cell phones, no exceptions.
• Ironically, you are allowed to bring food and drink as long as it's bottled water and sliced fruit (in a clear bag inside a grocery bag that's carried by hand). That's too much of a pain for me, so I make use of the concession stands. Just be sure your bank account can handle the strain--or is it drain?--if you go that route. Nothing is cheap at the Open.
• There are predominantly two reasons, in my opinion, why people go to the FBR Open: to watch golf or to party. If you're a golf fan, get there early. This has two main advantages. First, you can stake out a good spot to watch your favorite players. Second, you don't have to wade your way through the partiers that congest the area near the entrance.
• If you go to party, I have only one piece of advice--don't drink and drive. Don't even think about it because you're easy pickings. The Scottsdale police are waiting for you...
• Finally, if you're not going to the Open, do yourself a favor and stay off the 101.