The Seattle Seahawks are proud to be a leader and sponsor in bringing the Boeing Classic to the Pacific Northwest. The Boeing Classic has brought more than 100,000 spectators to beautiful TPC Snoqualmie Ridge to watch PGA Champions Tour professionals. In the tournament's three-year history, more than $2.3 million has been raised for The Heart Institute at Virginia Mason Medical Center and additional Seattle charities. The Boeing Classic week of events started on Monday and runs through this Sunday.
Having been instrumental in coordinating the Rumble, the Seahawks took an additional role in 2008 becoming the title sponsor of the Pro-Am. This move was spearheaded by Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke who also serves as co-chair on the tournament's executive committee.
Leiweke talked about the honor of bringing golf to Seattle.
"The Seattle Seahawks are proud to bring a world class sporting event to Seattle and help raise millions of dollars for The Heart Institute at Virginia Mason Medical Center."
Before coming to Seattle Leiweke was the inaugural Executive Director of the FirstTee organization. The FirstTee organization welcomes underprivileged youths into the world of golf through the development of golf facilities throughout North America.
Having the opportunity to help the community and bring a world class golf tournament has led the Seahawks to support the Boeing Classic.
"The tremendous support provided by Tod Leiweke and the Seahawks organization is at the heart of why this tournament has been so successful in its relatively short history in this community," said Executive Director Chuck Nelson. "From their support of the kickoff event of the week the Rumble at the Ridge, serving as host for our Draw Party at Qwest Field, their new title sponsorship of the Pro-Am, every aspect of the Seahawks' participation make this a more exciting event and will assist us with increasing our proceeds to benefit The Heart Institute."
The Northwest Ford Stores NFL Alumni Rumble at the Ridge kicked off the week on Monday. Several NFL Hall of Fame members came out to participate in the tournament, Steve Largent, Mike Haynes, Ted Hendricks, Dave Wilcox, Kenny Houston and Kellen Winslow. There were also several members of the Seahawks Ring of Honor, Dave Krieg, Curt Warner and Jacob Green. Before play even started the tournament was delayed due to lightning. Krieg led his to his team to victory (GHIN division).
On Tuesday PGA professional Tim Simpson made a visit to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC). Simpson also had the opportunity to compete in a closest to the pin competition with Seahawks kicker Olindo Mare and cornerback Jordan Babineaux. Each player was given three swings to a the pin placed at roughly 75 yards. Babineaux came away as the winner when his ball ended up 4 feet, 7 inches from the pin. Simpson just missed the gold medal at 5 feet while Mare wasn't too far either at 6 feet.
On Wednesday, August 20 and Thursday, August 21 the Boeing Classic will hold the Seattle Seahawks Pro-Am. Groups participating in the two-day event are competing to win four tickets to Super Bowl XVIII in Tampa Bay.
The Seahawks are also privileged to be a part of FSN Stars Celebrity Swing for Kids on Monday. Former Seahawks fullback Mack Strong will be present as well as several SeaGals and Blue Thunder. Young golfers will be paired with area celebrities to compete in a single day tournament. All proceeds go to benefit the FirstTee of Greater Seattle.
The pros will tee off on Friday at 11:30 a.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive earlier to view a Boeing 777 flyover to start the tournament. Tickets are $20 for daily passes and $40 for the weekend. Fans who bring their ticket stub from the Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears game on August 16, receive a two-for-one admission into the Boeing Classic.
