The Valero Texas Open is a professional golf tournament that takes place every year in San Antonio, Texas. It is one of the most popular stops on the PGA Tour and attracts top players from around the world. Fans are eager to know what time the gates open each day so they can get in to see all the action up close.
Tournament Schedule
The 2023 Valero Texas Open takes place from March 27-April 2 at TPC San Antonio. It is the week right before the Masters, so many top players compete as a final tune-up before heading to Augusta National. The tournament features a field of 156 players.
The gates typically open each day at 7:00 AM Central Time. This allows spectators to get in early to stake out their spots around the course’s best viewing areas and concessions. The first groups tee off around 7:30 AM each day and play goes on until around 7:00 PM. The course has gates at different access points that all open at the same early hour.
When to Arrive
If you want the best spectator experience, it is highly recommended you arrive when the gates open at 7:00 AM. This ensures you can park close to the course and get to the spots you want before they fill up. Some of the best areas like around the 17th green fill up fast.
The most popular days to arrive early are Thursday and Friday for the first two rounds. Saturday is also a busy day for the third round. If you arrive right at 7:00 AM you’ll be in good shape for any day of the tournament.
Where to Enter
There are several main parking lots and entrance gates to access TPC San Antonio:
- Main Spectator Entrance at 23400 Golf Club Drive
- East Lot Entrance at 23500 TPC Parkway
- North Lot Entrance at 23750 TPC Parkway
- West Lot Entrance at 23300 TPC Parkway
All parking lots open at 7:00 AM each morning and cost $20 per vehicle. Shuttles are available to transport fans from outer lots to the course entrances. If you want the most convenient access, aim to park at the Main Spectator lot next to the main entrance.
Ticket Options
There are a few different ticket options to attend the Valero Texas Open:
- Single Day Grounds – Access to walk the course for one day. Prices range from $40-75 depending on the day.
- Weekly Grounds – Walking access Tuesday-Sunday. Cost is $175.
- Single Day Clubhouse – Access to an air-conditioned clubhouse plus grounds access. $100-150 per day.
- Weekly Clubhouse – Tuesday-Sunday clubhouse and grounds access for $350.
Kids 16 and under get in free with a ticketed adult. Military members also get complimentary admission. Parking is included with all tickets.
Mobile Tickets
The Valero Texas Open went fully mobile for ticketing in 2021. All tickets must be displayed on your phone when you arrive at the gate. Be sure to have your phone charged and ready to show your barcoded ticket.
If you purchased a parking pass it will also be delivered to your mobile device. Have that ready to scan as you enter the parking areas. Going fully mobile provides faster and safer entry to the event.
What You Can Bring
Fans are limited on what they can bring into the tournament:
| Permitted Items | Prohibited Items |
|---|---|
| – Cell phones | – Weapons |
| – Small purses, bags | – Coolers |
| – Binoculars, cameras | – Alcoholic beverages |
| – Collapsible chairs | – Large bags, backpacks |
| – Strollers (child only) | – Video cameras |
Make sure to check all banned items at the entrance gates. Outside alcohol and beverages are prohibited.
Food and Drinks Inside
There are concessions stands located throughout TPC San Antonio offering a variety of food and beverages for purchase. Prices are fairly typical for a sporting event:
- Hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos – $5-10
- Beer – $5-8
- Soda, water – $3-5
- Fried foods, snacks – $3-6
There are also nicer sit-down restaurants in the clubhouse areas that require reservations. Spectators are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in permitted bags and coolers.
Autographs and Players
One great benefit of getting to the tournament early when the gates open is the chance to get autographs from the professional golfers. Most players are happy to sign quick autographs before teeing off.
Some of the top names expected at the 2023 Valero Texas Open are:
- Scottie Scheffler
- Jordan Spieth
- Hideki Matsuyama
- Billy Horschel
- Corey Conners
The easiest spots to grab autographs are near the clubhouse and practice facilities in the morning. Staking out a good autograph spot requires getting to the course right when gates open at 7:00 AM.
Weather Considerations
The weather in San Antonio in late March and early April is generally warm and pleasant. High temperatures range from 70-85°F over the tournament week. However, being Texas, some years have seen cold fronts move in and drop temps into the 50s.
It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast and bring layers of clothing you can add or remove easily. Rain is not uncommon this time of year either, so bringing quality rain gear is advised.
If there are dangerous weather conditions like lightning or stormy rain, play may be temporarily suspended. Spectators would be advised to seek shelter in their cars or safe buildings. So keep an eye to the sky and your mobile device weather notifications turned on.
Following the Action
While walking the course, there are digital scoreboards, concessions with TVs, and loud speakers broadcasting updates. So you can easily follow all the action without staying planted in one spot. Download the PGA Tour app as well to get live scoring and stats.
Popular spots to post up for a time include behind the practice range, around featured holes like the par-3 16th and par-5 18th, and near food/bathroom areas. Walking is encouraged to find the best views as the action unfolds.
Nightlife
Many pro golfers stay near the TPC San Antonio clubhouse at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa. Fans often hang out at hotel bars in the evenings hoping to see golf celebs. Other San Antonio nightlife hot spots include:
- River Walk – iconic restaurants and bars alongside the downtown river
- Alamo Heights – upscale neighborhood with shops, dining, and bars
- Historic Market Square – lively area with restaurants, clubs, and live music
Downtown San Antonio near the tournament grounds offers the most options for evening fun while never being too far from the action.
Family Fun
The Valero Texas Open provides a great experience for golf fans of all ages. Kids will enjoy seeing the golfers up close, getting autographs, checking out interactive exhibits, and sampling all the tasty food options.
If little ones need a break, there is a family area near the 18th green with activities.Checking out the mini golf course, rock climbing wall, and face painting options helps keep younger fans entertained when spectating starts to drag.
Kids also love visiting the Rawlings Golf ‘First Tee’ zone where PGA Tour pros give demonstrations and tips for aspiring youth players. Taking home souvenirs from the merch tent makes for a memorable tournament keepsake as well.
Getting Home
Allow extra time getting out of the parking lots and street traffic near TPC San Antonio when wrapping up your day on the course. Pedestrian crossings will be manned by police guiding spectators across streets to exit areas.
Shuttles back to outer lots will have lines toward the end of the rounds when everyone is leaving at once. Patience and care is required if driving, as traffic will be congested near tournament exits.
If staying until the final group finishes up near sunset, be prepared for heavy crowds leaving all at once. But the glow of watching golf under Texas twilight makes it worth handling the extra wait.
Conclusion
Arriving when gates open at 7:00 AM gives you the best tournament experience at the Valero Texas Open. You’ll get front row viewing spots, chance at player autographs, and plenty of time to take in all the action. Be sure to check the weather, bring your mobile ticket, and get an early start to make the most of your day at TPC San Antonio.