American Century Championship

The American Century Championship brings more than 80 celebrity athletes, entertainers, and sports legends to the shores of Lake Tahoe from July 8 through 12, 2026, transforming Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada into one of summer’s most anticipated gatherings of fame and fairways. This 54-hole modified Stableford tournament unfolds against a backdrop so striking that even the most seasoned travelers pause mid-sentence: the impossibly blue waters of North America’s second-largest alpine lake, ringed by snow-capped peaks that seem painted rather than real. Tickets go on sale April 1, 2026, with daily passes ranging from $50 for Wednesday and Thursday to $60 for the weekend rounds, while an all-access Grounds Badge covering the entire event runs $175. Children ten and under enter free with a paying adult.

What distinguishes the American Century Championship from other celebrity tournaments is its setting. Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course stretches along the lake’s southern shore, its fairways rolling down to a private beach where the Sierra Nevada Mountains cast long morning shadows across the water. Between shots, spectators find themselves distracted by the same panorama that has made this stretch of shoreline legendary, a view that seems almost excessive in its beauty. The tournament benefits both local and national charities, adding purpose to what might otherwise be pure spectacle. Past fields have included household names from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL alongside actors, musicians, and television personalities, creating an atmosphere where autograph seekers and golf enthusiasts mingle freely on the course.

The surrounding area offers diversions that complement the tournament’s relaxed energy. Heavenly Village, just minutes from Edgewood, anchors South Lake Tahoe’s pedestrian-friendly entertainment district with its cobblestone walkways, boutique shops, and the iconic Heavenly Gondola. Even in July, the 2.4-mile ride to the observation deck rewards visitors with panoramic views that stretch across the lake and deep into the wilderness beyond, a perspective that transforms comprehension of the region’s scale. The Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster provides a more adrenaline-fueled descent, while families appreciate the summer tubing, climbing walls, and miniature golf that replace winter’s snow activities.

Evening options extend well beyond tournament hospitality tents. The Bistro at Edgewood Tahoe serves seasonal American fare in a mountain-chic setting where diners reminisce about the day’s celebrity sightings over expertly prepared dishes and Lake Tahoe views through floor-to-ceiling windows. For something with more casual energy, Riva Grill has built a devoted following around its famous Wet Woody cocktail and waterfront patio, where sunset watchers linger over plates of elevated American comfort food. The casinos clustered along the state line, including Harrah’s, Harvey’s, and the Golden Nugget, offer everything from fine dining at Friday’s Station Grill, perched eighteen floors above the action, to late-night entertainment that keeps the celebration rolling long after the final putt drops.

The lake itself beckons during tournament breaks. Rental companies outfit visitors with kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats for excursions across waters so clear they seem to glow from within. Clearly Tahoe’s transparent kayak tours have become a bucket-list experience, allowing paddlers to peer straight through to the depths below. For those who prefer to stay dry, scenic cruises depart regularly for Emerald Bay, where the Scandinavian-style Vikingsholm castle sits tucked into the shoreline, a reminder of the area’s gilded-age history as a retreat for those seeking natural splendor.

Van Sickle Bi-State Park offers hiking trails just steps from the state line, transporting visitors from casino buzz to forest serenity within minutes. The accessibility defines South Lake Tahoe’s particular magic: world-class golf, celebrity proximity, alpine adventure, and genuine wilderness all compressed into a single destination where nothing feels more than a short walk from anything else.

To experience the American Century Championship properly, consider booking a vacation rental on Lake.com, where lakefront properties and mountain retreats offer the space and privacy that hotels simply cannot match. Wake to unobstructed water views, host fellow fans for après-golf gatherings, and return each evening to accommodations that feel like home. Start planning your stay now on Lake.com and discover why Lake Tahoe remains the gold standard against which all other alpine destinations are measured.