The Legends of the Game Celebrity Tour 2015
Since 1996, the Legends of the Game Celebrity Tour has created a weekend of golf, entertainment, dining, and gaming fun, plus a whole lot of giving back to the Reno area. May 29-31, the tradition continues with more than 40 sports celebrities taking part in the tournament, set to be held at LakeRidge Golf Course—designed by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The Peppermill Reno, Harrah’s Reno, and Konami Gaming return as hosts, also.
Celebrities slated to participate in the tournament include Vida Blue, pitcher for the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants; Kellen Winslow Sr., Hall of Fame tight end from the San Diego Chargers ; Greg Lloyd, linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers; Brian Jordan, defensive back from the Atlanta Falcons; Rick Upchurch, receiver/kick returner for the Denver Broncos; and many others, including Lem Barney, Hall of Fame cornerback from the Detroit Lions. Lem has participated in every event, thanks to Executive Director Scott (Sonny) Hampton, who started the charity event.
“Sonny Hampton explained his vision and concept and I was impressed with his passion and enthusiasm,” Lem says.
Jeff Stover is a two-time Super Bowl winner from the San Francisco 49ers, and the former lineman has played in the tournament for the last four years.
“I play in a number of events each year, but this is one I put on my list and make sure I come to every year,”Jeff says.
Jeff heard about the tournament from his friend Ted Kwalick, a former tight end for the 49ers and Oakland Raiders, and was hooked from the first year.
“We just had a blast,” he says. “The Peppermill treats us great, they have a lot of vendors, we meet a lot of people, and the golf courses are just beautiful.”
Jeff notes that the food at the events is always incredible, and he also has a particular fondness for the Texas Hold’em tournament. Lem’s advice for first-time attendees?
“Expect to have a fantastic time knowing they are helping a good cause and helping others in need,” he says. “(Sonny) puts on a first-class event and everyone who attends will have a fabulous time and they will want to come back each year.”
The tour includes three days of celebrity golf, gaming tournaments, celebrity dinners, fundraising, and parties. The golf happens Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31 at LakeRidge Golf Course in Reno. The ever-popular No-Limit Texas Hold’em Tournament will be held at Harrah’s Reno Casino. Come watch the celebrities put on their best poker face and bluff their way into a whole lot of fun.
The weekend rounds out with amazing fine dining, top-shelf beverages, and a whole lot of mingling and fun with celebrities who come to town to help make the weekend fun for all those who attend. Giving back is at the core of the reason each of them volunteers for the event.
“It’s a really nice relaxing weekend, and we can play golf, but we also get to give back to the community,” Jeff says. “It’s good event, and it’s a great thing to do.”
The Legends of the Game Celebrity Tour began in 1996 as a benefit to provide food and medical needs for children. Executive Director Scott Hampton has said, “It is our responsibility and commitment to ensure that everyone has equal ground. Unfortunately, in today’s times, it is the youngest and smallest of us that are most often overlooked. This is why it is so easy to bring together people that believe in our cause.”
The iconic 15th hole at LakeRidge was the site of a hole in one during the 2012 event when Heisman Trophy winner and Oakland Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett sank the world-famous par 3, which is set atop a rocky ridge 140 feet above Lake Stanley. Golfers must hit to an island green, which challenges even the most avid of players.
This year’s tournament will benefit the Reno Firefighter Community Assistance and the Nevada Diabetes Association, which is the local chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The Legends of the Game Celebrity Tour has raised more than $465,000 for local children’s charities since its inception.
HOLE IN ONE
Legends of the Game Celebrity Tour
LakeRidge Golf Course, Reno
May 29-31
legendsofthegamecelebritytour.com