World-renowned golf tournament and resort destination team up for the benefit of players, families and fans
For the first time in its history, the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, formerly the Bay Hill Invitational, is joining with Universal Orlando Resort to create a premier Orlando experience for PGA TOUR players, their families and golf fans. Portofino Bay Hotel, A Loews Hotel has been named the official host hotel of the tournament and CityWalk is the official 19th hole of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Events are planned throughout the resort during tournament week, March 12–18, 2007.
"We are very excited to partner with Orlando's premier resort destination, Universal Orlando Resort and the prestigious Portofino Bay Hotel. As a result of the partnership, the Arnold Palmer Invitational will be able to provide even more activities and amenities for our participating PGA TOUR professionals and their families right in our very own backyard," said Wellington, tournament director.
"Our partnership with the Arnold Palmer Invitational is a natural link, since Orlando has become such a popular golf destination," says Vince LaRuffa, vice president of resort sales and marketing for Universal Orlando. "Golf fans and players alike will enjoy our world-class Universal theme parks and the exclusive benefits of staying at our on-site Loews Hotels during tournament week. We have also built in plenty of fun and opportunities to support the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation."
In addition to the nationally televised PGA TOUR event, the participating PGA TOUR professionals and their families will enjoy activities around the Universal Orlando Resort in their honor, including a player family dinner at Universal's Islands of Adventure and the tour wives luncheon at Hard Rock Hotel to benefit the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation.
For tournament tickets, visit www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com or call 1-866-764-4843. Tickets and shuttle bus service to the tournament are also available at Universal Orlando Resort, Thursday through Sunday.
Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard:
The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, will be hosting the PGA Tour's greats from March 12-18, 2007 at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Past Champions have included four-time champion Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and defending champion Rod Pampling. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation. Weekly badges and daily tickets are available for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, with prices starting at $45 daily ($15 for youths) and $95 for the entire week, including two Pro-Ams, practice rounds and four championship rounds. For tickets and more information, visit www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com or call 1-866-764-4843.
Universal Orlando Resort:
The Universal Orlando Resort destination (www.universalorlando.com) includes two dramatically distinct and adjacent theme parks, the Universal Studios motion picture and television theme park and Islands of Adventure, Orlando's most thrilling and exhilarating theme park. Universal Orlando also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre dining, shopping, club and live entertainment venue, as well as premier on-site Loews hotels and world-class film and television production facilities.
Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, A Loews Hotel:
Portofino Bay Hotel is a re-creation of the famed Italian seaside resort village. As the premier luxury resort at Universal Orlando Resort, Portofino Bay Hotel offers the utmost in European style and elegance and is one of three themed, on-site Loews Hotels. (www.loewshotels.com) Featuring 750 rooms and suites, exceptional dining and a wealth of recreation, Portofino Bay Hotel has received recognition from Travel & Leisure magazine and Conde Nast Traveler as one of the finest hotels in the world.