FAR HILLS, N.J. (May xx, 2016) – Fans planning to attend the 116th U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club between June 13-19 can expect a fun and immersive spectator experience as the United States Golf Association finishes preparations for its premier event.

Beyond the more than 16,500 available grandstand seats and a wealth of on-course vantage points to watch the best players in the world compete, spectators can explore a variety of dining options and interactive displays to complement their time inside the championship gates. 

Highlights include:

• The Epic Putt: Guests can try their luck on a full-size, live-grass replica of Oakmont’s 18th green, located near Spectator Square and Gate 1. This free experience gives fans of all abilities an opportunity to make their own 18th-hole moment with green speeds mirroring championship conditions.
   
• Ruth’s Chris, Starbucks and more:  Also located in Spectator Square, guests can enjoy sandwiches from famed Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and other vendors that will offer a wealth of on-site dining and beverage options, in a food-court atmosphere complete with viewing areas where fans can watch championship coverage on large video boards.
   
• U.S. Open Merchandise Pavilion:  More than 500,000 championship-logoed items, ranging from apparel to custom artwork, and keepsakes such as flags, golf balls and plush animal toys featuring the famed Oakmont squirrel, will be available for purchase. Hand-painted glassware from Oakmont native Amanda Lee will also be available. A Merchandise Pavilion preview will take place June 9-12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is open to the public; no ticket is required on these four days.
   
• American Express Championship Experience: Spectators are invited to visit the on-site Championship Experience in Spectator Square to explore the mental side of golf through American Express’ “Mind Game” platform.
   
• Lexus Performance Drive Pavilion: Also in Spectator Square, visitors can take part in interactive golf experiences from Lexus, including a Johnny Miller Tribute exhibit, hole-in-one challenge and photo opportunity with the U.S. Open Trophy.
   
• Flag Day at the U.S. Open:  Fans are asked to don their red, white and blue on Tuesday, June 14 as Pittsburgh’s own 911th Airlift Wing helps the USGA celebrate Flag Day. A flag-raising ceremony will take place at 7:30 a.m. in Spectator Square, open to all attending the championship that day.  Active military enter the championship free as part of the USGA’s military ticket policy. .
• Wi-Fi and Phone Zones:  The USGA will expand its Wi-Fi capability to ensure that fans can access live scoring via the official U.S. Open mobile app and receive texts throughout the site, including grandstands. Mobile devices smaller than 7 inches in length or height are permitted on the championship grounds.

Three phone zones are located on the grounds – the only places where fans can accept and place calls. Spectators are advised to carefully review the mobile device and photo policy found at usopen.com/knowbeforeyougo before arriving at the U.S. Open, including restrictions on photography beginning on Thursday, and video and audio recording at any time.

Parking and Transportation Routes

More than 10,000 satellite parking spaces in two public lots have been secured in the local area, providing spectators with free parking and complimentary shuttle service directly to the championship gate.

Detailed driving routes and maps, prepared in conjunction with the Plum Borough Police Department, Oakmont Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police and other local and state agencies, can be found at usopen.com/knowbeforeyougo. The transportation system will include more than 150 trail signs and 250 shuttle buses in the effort to ensure trouble-free travel to and from the championship.

The RED lot will be located at Hartwood Acres Park for those traveling from the north and west via I-76 Eastbound and I-79 Southbound and anyone using I-79 Northbound. Those staying in downtown Pittsburgh can follow signs from PA 28 Northbound to the RED Lot. The BLUE Lot, located at the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, is designated for those utilizing I-76 Westbound, I-376 Eastbound, and PA 28 Southbound.

Shuttles will run continuously beginning at 5:30 a.m. each day, and continue for one hour following the conclusion of play. Complimentary shuttle transportation is expected to take approximately 25 minutes in each direction, based on traffic.

Spectators wishing to be dropped off at the championship may do so only at the Passenger, Taxi, or Limousine drop-off located at Tenth Street Elementary School in Oakmont, Pa., a 5-to-10-minute walk to Gate 2, which is located near the practice area. Due to traffic restrictions, access is limited to vehicles no larger than a 12-passenger van or limousine.

Handicapped-accessible parking spaces will be available at all championship parking areas for vehicles displaying appropriate HP/DP license plates or placards. Individuals requiring lift-equipped transportation are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-698-0661 to obtain additional information.

There is no general U.S. Open parking or disabled parking available in the immediate vicinity of Oakmont Country Club. All other championship parking is by permit only. Parking restrictions for ticketed spectators in the vicinity of the championship grounds and within Oakmont and Plum Boroughs will be closely monitored and strictly enforced. Regular business traffic in Oakmont on Allegheny River Boulevard and Allegheny Avenue will be welcome throughout championship week, including those wishing to patronize local restaurants and shopping establishments.

Security Information

Security checkpoints, similar to those found at other major sporting events and airports, will be located at each of the general spectator parking lots. Prohibited items include food and beverages, chairs with arms, and video recording devices. Bags should be no larger than 6 inches in length, width or depth, with the exception of clear/transparent bags, which can be no larger than 12 inches in width and height, and 6 inches in depth. 

Empty transparent bottles 24 oz. or smaller are permitted; water-filling stations will be located at each First Aid Station. Personal-care items, such as sunscreen, cannot exceed 3 oz. in size. More complete information can be found online.

Limited Tickets Still Available

Fans wishing to attend championship rounds and experience golf history should act quickly; limited tickets remain for Thursday and Friday rounds and are expected to sell out soon. Monday through Wednesday (June 13-15) practice-round tickets are also available, offering fans an opportunity to take photos of players and inside-the-ropes action. Saturday and Sunday tickets are sold out. Buyers can purchase up to four tickets per day.

More information about the championship can be found at usopen.com.

FOR MEDIA USE ONLY:  HIGH-RESOLUTION TRANSPORTATION ROUTING MAPS CAN BE DOWNLOADED USING THE FOLLOWING LINK:  2016 U.S. Open Maps

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Media Contact:  Janeen Driscoll (jdriscoll@usga.org)