Rocket Classic Upgrades Fan Experiences, Offers New Daily Themes in 2025

The Rocket Classic Presented by AlumniFi, Detroit’s annual PGA Tour stop, is upgrading fan experiences and adding new daily themes for its seventh edition taking place June 25-29 at Detroit Golf Club.
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The Rocket Classic, which runs from June 25-29 at the Detroit Golf Club, is upgrading fan experiences and adding new daily themes for this year’s tournament. // Photo by Tim Keenan

The Rocket Classic Presented by AlumniFi, Detroit’s annual PGA Tour stop, is upgrading fan experiences and adding new daily themes for its seventh edition taking place June 25-29 at Detroit Golf Club.

“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,” says Bill Emerson, president of Rocket Cos. 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.”

The festivities begin even before the PGA professionals arrive with The John Shippen Men’s National Invitational June 21-22. Gates will open for the final round of the Shippen at 8:30 a.m. on June 22 as 17 of the top Black professional and amateur men’s golfers will compete in a stroke-play tournament for an exemption into the Rocket Classic.

Wednesday, June 25, is Detroit Community Day at Detroit Golf Club. Gates open at 6:45 a.m. with parking shuttles running from 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. for complementary admission to see the Delta Dental Pro-Am featuring Detroit sports figures, celebrities, and PGA pros, and participate in The First Tee – Greater Detroit Youth Golf Clinic for elementary and middle school-aged children (4-5:30 p.m.).

The first day of Rocket Classic competition is Thursday, June 26, Bow Tie Day Presented by The Gilly Project, 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. Gates open at 6:45 a.m.; parking shuttles run from 6:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Gates open at 6:20 a.m. and parking shuttles run from 5:50 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for the second day of Rocket Classic competition on Friday, June 27, Folds of Honor Friday, which honors 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, is Collegiate Day at the Rocket Classic. Students can receive 31.3 percent 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.

Also, 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. Gates open at 7:15 a.m. and parking shuttles run from 6:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

For the event’s final round on Sunday, June 29, gates open at 7:15 a.m. and parking shuttles run from 6:45 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Among the fan experiences available for Rocket Classic attendees are:

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 – A 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 and older 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 for the Rocket Classic 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.