STATELINE, Nev. – The American Century Championship’s major partners: NBC Sports, American Century Investments, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Caesars Republic and Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, and Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course have all agreed to a four-year extension through 2030 when the nation’s leading celebrity golf tournament will celebrate its 41st anniversary.
The agreements are synchronized from a timing standpoint, reflecting the collaborative effort that has enabled the event to grow dramatically, especially since the COVID years earlier this decade. The event is the longest running celebrity tournament in the country and has emerged as one of golf’s most entertaining events. From humble beginnings in 1990 as replacement programming during the MLB strike with 55 competitors and 1,500 spectators, the tournament now features 90 sports and entertainment stars and more than 86,000 attendees, with exponential growth in brand prominence, attendance and recognition in the golf and TV sports marketplaces.
“Relationships, trust, and friendships developed over 37 years with the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority as destination marketing organization, Edgewood Tahoe, Caesars Republic and Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, American Century Investments as title partner and support from the entire community has elevated this event to prominence on the national sports stage,” said Gary Quinn, NBC Vice-President, Programming and General Manager, Owned Properties. “We’re proud of the continued growth and recognize the collaborative vision, leadership and determination of our Tahoe partners to encourage each other to be bigger and better each year.”
The tournament has successfully navigated and enhanced the attention of Lake Tahoe nationally and internationally to become the most prominent attraction in the region. NBC’s commitment to diversifying the celebrity field on an annual basis has kept the event fresh and vibrant, as evidenced by the massive crowds that annually sell out desirable lodging properties within a 30-mile radius.
As the destination marketing organization sponsor, LTVA has provided the funding, marketing expertise, and partnered with community and business associations to assure South Tahoe as ACC host site since its inception in 1990. LTVA’s objectives towards visitation impact were overwhelmingly exceeded as five days of celebrity golf generated upwards of $40 million in economic impact from expenditures on lodging, dining, entertainment, gaming, shopping, and activities among record attendance of 86,038.
“The spectacular beauty of the Lake, mountains and outdoor/indoor recreational facilities are key components of the 11 hours of television coverage each year,” said Carol Chaplin, LTVA president and CEO. “And then add the impact and buzz from 90 famous celebrities talking to media about Tahoe’s quality-of-life reputation and area vibe on a regular basis. The spirit of collaboration among our Lake Tahoe partners with NBC Sports and American Century Investments is the reason the destination is primed for more success through this decade.”
Combined with television tune-in and brand awareness reinforcement, LTVA-directed public relations and social media campaign efforts have established the tournament in next-level prominence on the American sports and entertainment landscape. Total viewership and audience included impressions 11 billion impressions, more than 7,300 stories in print, online, radio and broadcast, and an exponential social media expansion resulting in a publicity value of $100+ million.
National media exposure included the Associated Press, Today, ESPN, SI.com, Golf.com, The Athletic, San Francisco Chronicle, and network and major market television and radio affiliates throughout the country, plus dozens of national sports radio, podcasts and social media platforms. On-site coverage also included three days of broadcasts of the Dan Patrick Show, and Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take show, and NBC Sports Bay Area. The celebrity field also captured Hollywood’s interest with Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, and People Magazine, US Weekly on-site.
International attention from network television for the tournament also serves as an annual reputational reminder of South Tahoe’s popularity as a world class destination.
“In addition to the exposure, this event augments our overall marketing efforts, and this year will provide $112,000 through community grants to our local non-profits, while other volunteer groups who’ve staffed concessions booths have also benefitted,” noted Chaplin. “Through the years, we’re proud to have donated over $1.5 million to local organizations to assist residents within the South Lake Tahoe, Stateline and Douglas County areas.”
LTVA also organizes, trains and manages the volunteer program of 400+ people whose efforts make the tournament possible.
“Together with NBC, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority and all our local partners, we have created something truly unique: an event that brings together sports, entertainment, community and philanthropy while providing a powerful platform to the groundbreaking work at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research,” said Jonathan Thomas, chairman, CEO and president of American Century Investments. “We’ve all made the American Century Championship better every year, transforming it over decades from a modest celebrity golf tournament into one of the most recognized and enduring events in sports.”
More than 550 celebrities have played in the tournament over the years. This past July, the field included a lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Charles Barkley, Annika Sorenstam, Miles Teller, Nate Bargatze, Jason Kelce, Mardy Fish, Joe Pavelski, 18 sports Hall of Famers and dozens of All-Stars, as well as Grammy and Emmy award-winning entertainers, comedians and actors.
The 38th annual American Century Championship is July 7-11, 2027.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – After 21 years of dedicated leadership and service, Claudia Andersen, Chief Executive Officer of Tahoe Community Foundation, has announced her retirement. She will continue serving as CEO while the Board of Directors conducts a search for her successor, ensuring a thoughtful and seamless transition for the organization and the Tahoe community it serves.
During her tenure, Andersen helped guide the Community Foundation through a period of significant growth and impact. Under her leadership, the organization strengthened its role as a trusted philanthropic partner, expanded its support for donors and nonprofit organizations, and advanced its mission of connecting generosity with community needs throughout the region. The Community Foundation has granted more than $165 million to support nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, and charitable causes that strengthen communities in Tahoe and beyond.
“Claudia’s leadership has helped position Tahoe Community Foundation as a cornerstone of our region’s philanthropic community,” said Ron Alling, Chair of the Tahoe Community Foundation Board of Directors. “She has guided the organization with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our mission and the Tahoe community. On behalf of the Board, we are deeply grateful for her contributions and are committed to working closely with her to ensure a smooth transition and continued momentum for Tahoe Community Foundation.”
The Board of Directors is preparing for the leadership transition and will launch a search for Tahoe Community Foundation’s next CEO. Andersen will continue serving until her successor is selected and onboarded.
“Tahoe Community Foundation’s future is exceptionally bright,” added Alling. “With a committed board, strong team, engaged donors, committed nonprofit partners, and a clear mission, the Community Foundation is well-positioned for its next chapter of growth and impact.”
As Tahoe Community Foundation looks ahead, the organization remains focused on cultivating philanthropy, strengthening nonprofit organizations, and helping donors create lasting impact in the communities they love.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. —The California Tahoe Conservancy Board authorized a $2 million grant for El Dorado County to build a critical missing section of the south shore shared-use trail network. The Johnson Meadow Greenway Connector Project will provide a safe route for people biking, walking, and rolling between South Lake Tahoe neighborhoods east and west of the Upper Truckee River.
“It’s exciting to see this transformative project move forward,” said Conservancy Vice Chair and El Dorado County Supervisor Brooke Laine. “By tying together our neighborhoods and visitor destinations, this new trail crossing will provide lasting benefits for residents and visitors, and even for wildlife.”
The Conservancy began planning the Greenway in 2002, using the leftover right-of-way from a planned-but-canceled major freeway through south shore communities. Current sections of the Greenway provide car-free access for visitors and residents to neighborhoods, schools, parks, recreation areas, and other community destinations throughout South Lake Tahoe. The Conservancy and its partners long hoped to add a Greenway connection across the Upper Truckee River to the Barton Memorial Hospital and South Tahoe “Y” areas. This crossing became a possibility when Tahoe Resource Conservation District acquired Johnson Meadow in 2018.
Map of Johnson Meadow Greenway Connector Project.Provided / CTC
The Conservancy grant awarded at the Board meeting yesterday, using Proposition 4 (Climate Bond) funds, completes the funding the County will need to build this Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) project. Additional funding for the project comes from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, Caltrans, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, along with potential funding from El Dorado County. The County expects to begin construction in 2027.
Raised trail and bridge sections over creek and meadow crossings protect sensitive meadow habitat and infrastructure from high water flows and provide safe passage for wildlife. The same structures will also keep the trail open during higher flows from extreme weather events.
The Greenway is named in honor of Dennis T. Machida, the Conservancy’s first executive director, who long advocated to expand public recreation and alternative transportation opportunities.
At the same meeting, Herman Fillmore, Culture and Language Resources Director for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, provided a training for the Conservancy Board. DaɁaw (Lake Tahoe) is the homeland of the Waší∙šiw (Washoe people – the people from here). The Waší∙šiw are the original stewards of the land in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin (Basin) since time immemorial. As a sovereign nation, the Washoe Tribe continues to advocate for the protection and preservation of Waší∙šiw ɁítdeɁ (the Washoe people’s homelands).
Also at the same meeting, the Board authorized the Conservancy to accept a $1 million grant from the California Wildlife Conservation Board, via the nonprofit Wildlife Crossing Fund. The grant will support the Conservancy and Caltrans to participate in planning and environmental review for the South Tahoe Basin Wildlife Crossings Project. The Project, led by the Wildlife Crossing Fund, will help restore habitat connectivity, improve public safety, and provide safe passage for wildlife through the Basin.
UPDATE—Monday, 8:00 a.m. The Floriston Fire remains within its original footprint of 622 acres and is now 75% contained.
Firefighters continue to mop up hotspots and build on containment lines. Fire responders do not expect further fire growth.
All mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted.
Investigators are still looking into the cause of the fire.
One lane remains closed on I-80 westbound. The California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) and California Highway Patrol (CHP) continue to monitor interstate conditions after reopening one westbound lane along the fire corridor near Farad and Floriston.
Motorists traveling westbound on I-80 are urged to use extreme caution, follow posted speed limits, and remain alert for emergency personnel and changing conditions in the area.
UPDATE—Friday, 6:15 a.m. – One lane on Interstate 80 westbound is now open at the Nevada state line after multiple days of closure due to the Floriston Fire, now mapped at 640 acres and 8% containment.
Caltrans is monitoring hillside instability and rockfalls along the highway, which is one reason the highway was initially closed and why one lane remains closed. At a community meeting last night, a Caltrans representative said crews are installing temporary concrete barriers along the fire corridor.
Heading into today, fire crews are preparing for warmer temperatures and decreased humidity.
In addition to ground crews, dozers, and aircraft, suppression efforts are also using the Union Pacific Railroad Fire Train because of the fire’s proximity to the tracks. The fire train carries 100,000 gallons of water to support firefighting operations.
The Sacramento Regional Incident Management Team, which took over the fire at 7 a.m. Thursday morning, is in unified command with CAL FIRE NEU, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the Tahoe National Forest, Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol.
UPDATE—Thursday, 6:15 a.m. – Firefighters have continued working through the night on the Floriston Fire, which is reported to have burned over 600 acres and is 5% contained, according to the latest mapping.
The map of the Floriston Fire. Obituary: Marjorie Merrill Luippold
I-80 westbound is still closed from the Nevada State Line to Floriston Way.
Air operations concluded around midnight, with ground crews continuing to strengthen containment lines and limit the fire’s spread. Winds in the area are reported to have decreased from the gusts experienced Wednesday afternoon.
The Truckee Donner Public Utility District is monitoring the fire for potential impacts to its power service. Although the fire is not currently threatening the Truckee region, the district’s announcement says it could threaten the NV Energy transmission lines that deliver power to its system. Emergency de-energization is possible, and customers will lose power without advance notice if it does occur.
NV Energy has also announced its monitoring and potential de-energization that could impact areas, including the Incline Village community.
Resources working the fire include Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue, CAL FIRE and the Forest Service.
The Floriston Fire Thursday morning. Provided Photo
ORIGINAL STORY—Wednesday, 12 p.m. – FLORISTON, Calif. – Resources are responding to a vegetation fire that broke out near Floriston around 10:00 a.m., spreading at a dangerous rate, according to Watch Duty.
As of 12:20 p.m., the fire was mapped at close to 300 acres on the west side of I-80, closing the freeway to westbound traffic. A spot fire is mapped north of the main fire.
Evacuation warnings have been issued for the surrounding areas. For the most up-to-date evacuation zones, visit protect.genasys.com.
The Sun will provide updates as they become available.
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