• Tournament to feature Detroit Community Day, Bow Tie Day Presented by The Gilly Project, Folds of Honor Friday Presented by AlumniFi Supported by CDW and Collegiate Day

• New experiences and theme days offer something for everyone, from golf fans to those who love the energy of an event that gives back

• Daily grounds and shared hospitality tickets available at RocketClassic.com

  
  
  
  

DETROIT (June 19, 2025) – As the Rocket Classic Presented by AlumniFi returns for its seventh year, Detroit’s annual PGA TOUR stop is set to tee off at the historic Detroit Golf Club. Fans can look forward to unforgettable experiences both on and off the course.

With new theme days, exciting giveaways and the return of Detroit Community Day, this year’s tournament offers something for everyone.

“The 2025 Rocket Classic is shaping up to be our biggest and best yet, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the course,” said Bill Emerson, President of Rocket Companies and the Rocket Giving Fund. “With one of the strongest player fields in tournament history, along with new experiences and themed days, it’s an event for every kind of fan. Whether you’re an avid golfer or just looking to enjoy a day in beautiful downtown Detroit with family and friends, the Rocket Classic is a summer highlight in the heart of the city.”

SUNDAY, JUNE 22 – Final Round of THE JOHN SHIPPEN Men’s Invitational Presented by Rocket

Gates open at 8:30 a.m.

Following Saturday’s first round of play, Detroit Golf Club will be open to spectators for the final round of THE JOHN SHIPPEN Men’s Invitational presented by Rocket. Attendees can enjoy complimentary admission and parking with no ticket required.

Seventeen of the top Black professional and amateur men’s golfers will compete in a 36-hole, stroke-play tournament for an exemption into the Rocket Classic. The field features standout names like Flint native and 2024 SHIPPEN champion Willie Mack III, and 2023 winner Chase Johnson.

The tournament honors John Shippen Jr., the first Black golf professional in U.S. history. The event was created to break down historical barriers and increase Black representation in golf, expanding awareness, access and opportunity for people of color across the sports industry.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 – Detroit Community Day

Gates open at 6:45 a.m.; parking shuttles run from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Rocket Classic invites residents of the 313 and beyond to enjoy complimentary admission and parking during Detroit Community Day for exciting pre-tournament events.

·       The Delta Dental Pro-Am features PGA TOUR stars playing alongside celebrity athletes and entertainers from the Pistons, Red Wings, Lions, NASCAR and many others. Fans can enjoy a front row seat to the action and cheer on their favorite players before the tournament officially begins.

·       The First Tee – Greater Detroit Youth Golf Clinic Presented by PGA TOUR Superstore runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and will provide elementary and middle school-aged children with an opportunity to learn fundamental golf skills and tips from PGA TOUR pros. This “Watch & Learn” format will allow participants to observe as the pros hit balls and talk through their shots. No equipment is required.

THURSDAY, JUNE 26 – Bow Tie Day Presented by The Gilly Project

Gates open at 6:45 a.m.; parking shuttles run from 6:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Bow Tie Day Presented by The Gilly Project was created to honor the memory of Nick Gilbert, son of Dan and Jennifer Gilbert, to spread awareness about neurofibromatosis (NF). NF is a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerve pathways throughout the body. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most common form of the disease, affecting approximately one in every 2,500 births.

In 2011, Nick represented the Dan Gilbert-owned Cleveland Cavaliers at the NBA Draft Lottery wearing his signature bow tie, beginning a four-year span that saw the team win the No. 1 draft pick three times. Since then, the Bow Tie has become a symbol associated with Nick’s passion, optimism and love for life.

FRIDAY, JUNE 27 – Folds of Honor Friday

Gates open at 6:20 a.m.; parking shuttles run from 5:50 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Rocket Classic will host Folds of Honor Friday Presented by AlumniFi Supported by CDW, to honor military service and promote patriotism. A morning ceremony will feature the national anthem, and attendees are encouraged to wear red, white and blue. Early attendees will receive a commemorative pin from Folds of Honor, a national organization that provides academic scholarships to families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.

In addition, the first guests through the gates on Friday will receive a limited-edition Cam Davis bobblehead, the only two-time winner of the Rocket Classic (2021, 2024), while supplies last.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28 – Collegiate Day

Gates open at 7:15 a.m.; parking shuttles run from 6:45 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For the first time at the Rocket Classic, students can receive 31.3% off grounds tickets for each competition day by using a valid .edu email address, a nod to Detroit’s 313 area code. On Saturday, eventgoers are invited to show their school pride by wearing their favorite college colors.

A limited-edition Greyson Clothiers hat will be offered to fans while supplies last, and the time and location of the hat drop will be a surprise. Tournament updates on social channels will reveal when and where to find the limited-edition merchandise.

SUNDAY, JUNE 29 – Final Round, Trophy Presentation

Gates open at 7:15 a.m.; parking shuttles run from 6:45 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The 2025 champion of the Rocket Classic will be crowned on Sunday, with the trophy presented shortly after play concludes on the 18th green.

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FAN EXPERIENCES

There are plenty of unique viewing opportunities and activations, including:

• Sundial Clubhouse Lawn – Fans can enjoy a front-row view of the Putting Green Presented by J.P. Morgan, as well as the second green and third tee box – all just steps from the autograph zone and surrounded by food and beverage options available for purchase.

• The Treehouse – This incredible viewing deck is open to all and features a full menu of concession items for purchase and exceptional views of the first green, fifth tee box and seventh green.

• Lucky One – The new venture from Dave Portnoy and Miss Peaches is bringing a mobile beverage cart to the course each day of the tournament, serving up refreshing Lucky One Vodka Lemonade for those 21 and over. 

• AREA 313 Village Presented by AlumniFi – Guests will experience activations from AlumniFi and the Rocket Community Fund, among others, in the shadows of a giant LED screen showing all the action from across the golf course.

• AREA 313 Grove – This area features the Elijah Craig Happy Hour from 3-5 p.m. daily with special appearances, DTE giveaways, a Skechers pop-up and the Rocket AREA 313 Fan Experience.

• Rocket AREA 313 Fan Experience – Visit the Rocket activation at AREA 313 Grove to participate in golf games, photo booths and the chance to design your dream home.

• Smokey G’s Smokehouse – Also located in the AREA 313 Grove, attendees can enjoy some of the best barbecue Detroit has to offer.

• High Noon Sun Deck – Those aged 21+ can access concession options while watching the action on the 17th green.

• Rocket Classic Fan Shop – The latest and most exclusive Rocket Classic merchandise is offered only on site at Detroit Golf Club. Styles range from golf to athleisure and celebrate the true grit of Detroit.

• Greyson Wolf Den – Shop the latest golf and athleisure styles on site at the Rocket Classic from one of Detroit’s most popular fashion brands. 

TICKETS

Tickets are available at RocketClassic.com. Grounds tickets start at $65 per day, and up to four children ages 15 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. LendingTree Lounge and Club Ace Presented by Bell’s Brewing shared hospitality passes start at $120 and $230, respectively.

Since 2019, the Rocket Classic Presented by AlumniFi has invested nearly $10 million into local charitable organizations. This includes support for the tournament’s landmark “Changing the Course” initiative, which has played a vital role in bridging Detroit’s digital divide. Additional funding has helped strengthen nonprofit programs serving Detroit youth, including First Tee and Midnight Golf.

For more information, visit RocketClassic.com.

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About the Rocket Classic Presented by AlumniFi

The Rocket Classic Presented by AlumniFi made history in 2019 as the first PGA TOUR event ever held in the city of Detroit and has continued to make a positive and lasting impact on the city and its residents through its multi-year “Changing the Course” campaign, established in 2020 to end the digital divide in Detroit and ensure digital accessibility for all city residents. The Rocket Classic was the most awarded event during the 2018-19 PGA TOUR season, being recognized for “Best Special Event” (then known as the AREA 313 Celebrity Challenge) and “Best Tournament Sales” as well as being honored with the first “Fair Way Award” for its diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Fair Way Award was bestowed upon the Rocket Classic again in 2023 and 2024, and in 2024 the tournament also received the Best Volunteer Program award. More information is available at RocketClassic.com and on Facebook, X and Instagram (@RocketClassic).