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MULTI-PLATINUM SINGER-SONGWRITER RILEY GREEN TO MAKE DEBUT AT 2027 COORS LIGHT BIRDS NEST 

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The 2027 Coors Light Birds Nest lineup is already starting to unfold as officials announced today Multi-Platinum, ACM and CMA Award-winning singer-songwriter Riley Green is the first headliner to be added to the Coors Light Birds Nest lineup.  Green will take the stage on Wednesday, Feb. 10, and will be joined by Special Guest Ashley Cooke for night one of the four-night concert series that runs Feb. 10-13 during WM Phoenix Open week.

Tickets on sale now, purchase here.

“We are beyond excited to welcome Riley Green to the Coors Light Birds Nest for the very first time,” said 2027 WM Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman Chris Camacho. “Riley is exactly the kind of artist that resonates with our crowd. A true sportsman, a former athlete, and someone who writes songs that make you feel something. This is going to be one of those awesome shows people talk about for years.”

General admission tickets for Wednesday will start at $135. VIP tickets and elevated experiences are available for Green’s performance starting at $350 each and provide exclusive access to an enhanced VIP area where guests are treated to complimentary food and drinks and access to a premium viewing area for the shows.  Organizers encourage fans to buy their tickets early as ticket prices will increase as the event draws closer.

Green has been one of country music’s most compelling voices since releasing his self-titled EP in 2018 with Big Machine Label Group. His catalog is filled with the kind of songs that define the genre — the No. 1 PLATINUM hit “There Was This Girl,” the 3x-PLATINUM heart-tugger “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” and his chart-topping collaboration with Thomas Rhett, “Half of Me.” Most recently, Green added a third No. 1 to his name with “Different ‘Round Here (feat. Luke Combs),” a reimagined version of the title track from his 2019 debut album that Combs himself jumped at the chance to be a part of after seeing how deeply fans had connected to it.  Green was recently added to the lineup of coaches on NBC’s hit show The Voice premiering this September.  

An avid sports fan and former Jacksonville State University quarterback, Green is as authentic as they come; a good ol’ boy who still calls Jacksonville, Alabama home. That realness is at the core of everything he does, from his relatable songwriting to his connection with fans who pack arenas night after night. In 2023, Green served as direct support for Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs, performing to an average of 65,000 fans per night before wrapping his own headlining Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour with Tracy Lawrence and Ella Langley in tow.

Named the Academy of Country Music’s 2020 New Male Artist of the Year, a former MusicRow Breakout Artist of the Year, and a CMT “Listen Up Artist,” Green is currently riding one of the hottest streaks in country music. His third studio album, Don’t Mind If I Do, produced by Dann Huff and released on his birthday, October 18, arrived as a confident, 18-track statement. The album features five tracks solely written by Green, including standouts “Jesus Saves,” “Worst Way,” and the title track, which reunites him with tourmate and duet partner Ella Langley.

One of country music’s fastest-rising stars, Ashley Cooke quickly emerged as one of Country music’s brightest rising stars, earning a No. 1 Country radio hit with the GOLD-certified “your place,” which landed on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a 2024 CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year. Known for her emotionally charged songwriting and high-energy live shows, the ACM and iHeartRadio Award nominee has collaborated with artists including Joe Jonas and Brantley Gilbert while touring alongside Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Parker McCollum and Jon Pardi. Fresh off international performances at London’s iconic O2 Arena and ahead of her upcoming headline Baby Blues Tour, Cooke continues to build momentum with new music and a rapidly growing global fanbase. Her sophomore self-titled album is set for release on Aug. 14.

The Coors Light Birds Nest doors will open at 3 p.m. with its expanded outdoor patio area featuring live music, outdoor games, entertainment, and various food and beverage offerings. The opening act will take the main stage inside the tent at approximately 6:30 p.m., with Riley Green taking the stage at approximately 8:30 p.m.

The Coors Light Birds Nest is located directly across from the main WM Phoenix Open tournament entrance at 82nd Street and Bell Road. The entertainment venue opens at 3 p.m. and the headline act will wrap up at approximately 10:30 p.m. The Coors Light Birds Nest is a 21-and-over event. For more information, visit www.coorslightbirdsnest.com.

ABOUT RILEY GREEN:

CMA and ACM award winner Riley Green returns with his fourth studio album, That’s Just Me, arriving September 18 via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Written and recorded during a pivotal chapter in Green’s life and career, the project further showcases one of Country music’s strongest songwriting voices.

A beloved artist known for his live performances, the country hitmaker has solidified himself as one of the most undeniable forces in country. Since first breaking out with songs like the No. 1 2X-PLATINUM “There Was This Girl,” the 3X-PLATINUM “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” and chart-topping collaborations including “Half Of Me,” “you look like you love me,” and “Different Round Here,” Green has built a career on timeless storytelling that cuts through trends and connects directly with listeners resulting in six No.1 songs.

Among dozens of accolades thus far, Green has won five ACM Awards, picked up four CMA Awards, and received multiple career nominations from the American Music Awards, CMT Awards, and recognitions as MusicRow Breakout Artist of the Year, a CMT Listen Up Artist, and one of CRS’s New Faces of Country Music.

Beyond music, Green continues to expand his reach with several major career milestones. He recently made his acting debut on CBS’ Marshals, portraying Garrett, a former Navy SEAL, and was most recently announced as a coach for Season 30 of The Voice. 

Green’s third record, Don’t Mind If I Do arrived in 2024 and found him with his breakout hits following its release including “Don’t Mind If I Do,” “Change My Mind,” “Jesus Saves,” and his third Country airplay No.1 and solo-cut “Worst Way,” which has led to widespread critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone praising, “He also has an uncommon ear for memorable hooks.” 

An avid outdoorsman, sports fan, and former Jacksonville State University quarterback, Green continues to make an impact beyond music through his brand Duck Club Bourbon and his charitable initiative, Buford Bonds Charitable Fund, which supports community-focused causes and honors the values and small-town spirit that continue to shape both his life and career.

Green is currently on his Cowboy As It Gets Tour, bringing his signature storytelling to fans worldwide. For tickets and more information, please visit rileygreenmusic.com.

THE THUNDERBIRDS RAISE A RECORD $20.1 MILLION FOR CHARITY FROM 2026 WM PHOENIX OPEN

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – announced today the 2026 edition of “The People’s Open” raised a record-breaking $20.1 million ($20,154,600) for local charities, marking the highest single-year total in tournament history. This is the first time the event has surpassed $20 million in charitable giving in a single year and the ninth time it has exceeded the $10 million mark. It also represents the fourth consecutive year the tournament has set a new fundraising record, surpassing last year’s total of $18.1 million.

“The WM Phoenix Open continues to show what’s possible when this community comes together behind a greater purpose,” said 2026 Tournament Chairman Jason Eisenberg. “Eclipsing the $20 million mark for the first time – and continuing to build on that momentum year after year – speaks to the dedication of our group, our partners, and the greatest fans in golf who make this event what it is. The impact of these dollars goes far beyond tournament week, supporting organizations across Arizona and changing lives throughout the year.”

Since WM was named title sponsor in 2010, The Thunderbirds and the WM Phoenix Open have now raised more than $180 million ($180,336,848) for local charities. In its 91-year history, the tournament has contributed more than $246 million ($246,413,414) to benefit nonprofits across Arizona — including more than $134 million in the past 10 years alone.

“Congratulations to The Thunderbirds on raising a record-breaking amount for charities in 2026,” said David Brannon, WM Area Vice President. “The WM Phoenix Open has an incredible impact on the community through its charitable and zero-waste efforts, and WM is proud to be a part of it.”

This year’s announcement was made at the Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center in Phoenix — a long-time partner that has been providing life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities for more than four decades. Founded in 1981, Ability360 is a nonprofit, federally funded Center for Independent Living (CIL) serving Maricopa and Pinal Counties, with a tradition of empowering programs for people with all types of disabilities.

Since 2006, Thunderbirds Charities has awarded more than $900,000 to Ability360, supporting world-class facilities, adaptive sports programming, and the independent living services that change lives every day.

The Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center is the only facility of its kind in the Southwest and has been recognized as a hub for adaptive sports since 2011.  The facility serves thousands of athletes each year, from youth just learning to play to Paralympians training for the world stage. In 2025, Thunderbirds Charities awarded $250,000 to upgrade the facility’s competition infrastructure, funding new Daktronics scoreboards, shot clocks, and scorer’s tables that meet the demands of elite adaptive athletics.

In 2018, a $100,000 grant funded the expansion of Ability360’s Breaking Barriers program — introducing adaptive kayaking and paddleboarding, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, a competitive swim team, and a weekly teen fitness program. Each sport was equipped with specialized coaching, adaptive gear, power soccer wheelchairs, and swim equipment and uniforms.

The partnership dates back to 2007, when Thunderbirds Charities contributed $100,000 to the capital campaign that built the Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center — a founding investment the organization honors to this day with the Thunderbirds Charities logo displayed prominently in the second-floor workout space.

“Ability360 has long appreciated the incredible generosity that The Thunderbirds and Thunderbirds Charities have provided to our organization,” said Ability360 President and CEO Chris Rodriguez.  “We value our remarkable relationship with them and I know that their commitment to our mission will continue to change lives for years to come.”

The 2027 WM Phoenix Open returns to TPC Scottsdale February 8-14, bringing back “The People’s Open” for its 92nd edition. Recognized six times as the PGA TOUR’s Event of the Year (most recently 2025), the WM Phoenix Open is celebrated as one of golf’s most iconic and fan-friendly events. In 2026, Chris Gotterup defeated two-time WMPO champion Hideki Matsuyama in a head-to-head playoff to earn his fourth career PGA TOUR win and second win in three starts to kick off the 2026 season.  For more information visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.  

The 2027 tournament marks the 18th year with WM – North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions – as proud title sponsor. During WM’s time as title sponsor, the tournament has contributed to setting a new standard for charitable giving and sustainability in sports, earning recognition as one of the largest zero-waste sporting events in the world for 14 consecutive years while raising millions of dollars for the Arizona community each year.

The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 280 “life” members who have helped the tournament eclipse $246 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932, with the 2026 WM Phoenix Open raising a single-tournament record $20.1 million for charity.