Events

The Cup Experience^TM

In its 80-year history, the Ryder Cup has become the most spirited, exciting and compelling event in all of golf. The Ryder Cup is truly one-of-a-kind - which is exactly the kind of thing we do best in Kentucky.

The event will attract 240,000 spectators, 250 of the world's most prestigious companies, 1,500 international media and 600 million television viewers worldwide.

Under the guidance of the Mayor's 2008 Host Committee, community and civic leaders have planned a series of community-wide events and activities known collectively as The Cup Experience.

Humana Fightmaster Cup

September 12-13-14 - Cardinal Club, Simpsonville, Kentucky - The first-ever competition between North American champion one-armed golfers and their rivals from Europe. These 12-man teams of highly competitive golfers will square off in a three-day, Ryder Cup format international competition. Named after Louisville's own Don Fightmaster, an internationally known, one-armed golfer who has inspired numerous young men and women with permanent disabilities to take up the game of golf. Admission is free with Cup Pin.

The Cup Village^TM

September 17-21 Fourth Street Live! In Downtown Louisville - The central gathering spot for people from Louisville and around the world with food and fun that will last into the wee hours. There will be live concerts each night along with the local restaurants, bars and entertainment venues - J. Gumbo's, Hard Rock Café, Red Star Tavern, T.G.I. Fridays, Sully's Restaurant Saloon, TengoSed Cantina, Lucky Strike Lanes, Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge, Angel's Rock Bar, Howl at the Moon, Felt billiards lounge and more. Admission is free with Cup Pin.

WEDNESDAY, September 17th

THURSDAY, September 18th

FRIDAY, September 19th

SATURDAY, September 20th

SUNDAY, September 21st

USA Pep Rally

Paul Azinger, U.S. Captain of the 2008 Ryder Cup Team, Mayor Jerry Abramson, Coach Rick Pitino, the University of Louisville Cheerleaders and the Red Rage Pep Band will be at Fourth Street Live at 9:00pm on Thursday, September 18, 2008 for a Pep Rally in honor of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team. Three Dog Night will follow the fun at 9:30pm.

Soiree Under the Spires^TM

September 19 - Churchill Downs - Leave your black tie at home and enjoy an exclusive gala under the historic Churchill Downs Twin Spires. This is the premier social event of The Cup Experience, featuring a Thoroughbred parade, a cocktail and live entertainment reception in the Turf Club, access to the paddock facilities, a Kentucky bourbon tasting, and a sumptuous gourmet dinner served in Millionaire's Row - perennial gathering place for the Derby's most exclusive clientele.

Over 1,200 guests will include PGA players, former Ryder Cup Captains, celebrities, entertainers and dignitaries from the U.S., Europe and around the world. Tickets $500 per person. VIP tickets $1,000 per person.

The Cup Concert Celebration

An official 2008 Cup Experience event that will be held on September 20, 2008. Music by The Mark Newton Bluegrass Band (www.marknewtonband.com) will start at 3:30 pm and The Louisville Orchestra and The Monarchs (www.themonarchs.com) concert will start at 7:30 pm. Ladyfingers Catering, a Middletown company, will be providing food throughout the day (no picnic baskets or coolers allowed). VIP tables are available; a table automatically enters you in the table-decorating contest. The prize for winning the table-decorating contest is $1,000.00 to be given to the Charity of your choice - what a great way to have fun and support your favorite charity! So that we can showcase our community a small, select group of fine arts and crafts will be featured. Louisville native, Casey Hyland, is the featured artist at the Cup Concert. Casey shows his glass art at Glassworks located in Louisville, KY (www.hylandglass.com). Mark your calendar and start planning your fabulous day at The Cup Concert Celebration - reserve your table or bring your chair or blanket for a wonderful day of great food and fantastic music. For more information visit www.middletownchamber.com.

• Event location the campus of Commonwealth Bank Building, 12906 Shelbyville Rd
• Activities starting at 2:30 pm
• Cup Experience Louisville Pins required ($5.00)
• Off site parking Shuttle from Eastern High School provided
• VIP Parking available
• Lawn Chair and Blanket area (no coolers allowed)
• VIP Tables seating 6 available ($300.00)
• Table Decorating Contest
• Corporate Tents for purchase
• Kentucky menu, including burgoo, Kentucky Pride Angus beef, bourbon chicken, pulled pork BBQ, Derby Pie, etc
• Kentucky arts and crafts featured
• Kentucky Bourbon and Kentucky Wine Tasting
• 19th Hole Gallery
• Music by The Mark Newton Bluegrass Band starting at 3:30pm
• Concert by The Louisville Orchestra with The Monarchs starting at 7:30 pm
• Fireworks Finale

The Flags at Champions Row

The 2008 Ryder Cup will be played at Valhalla Golf Club, September 16-21, 2008. This world-class event has all of Kentucky wanting to celebrate. Take advantage of this branding opportunity as you enter the final two miles to Valhalla. US and European flags will fly along Shelbyville Road on both sides of the scenic parkway leading to the course entrance. Players and guests will know that they are approaching Valhalla for the greatest match play on earth as they are greeted by these flags with corporate pennants hoisted immediately below. Position your Brand as close to the course as you can by participating as a flag sponsor. Here is your company's opportunity to commemorate this spirited international event - purchase a Hospitality Flag and help us welcome the world!

• Each flag will be on a 20-foot flagpole with a 4 x 6 foot flag and 2 x 5 foot sponsor pennant.
• Sponsor Pennant will be navy blue with white lettering and font will be the same on all pennants.
• Flags will be: USA, State, City, The Cup, Ireland, and Scotland etc. etc. etc.
• Flagpoles will be 50 feet apart on both sides of Shelbyville Road from the area of Landis Lakes Center to the east outer edge of Valhalla property (this could be larger).
• At this time we anticipate the Flags to be flying 6 weeks.
• Each flag and sponsor pennant will be given to the sponsor after they are taken down. They must be picked up at the Louisville East-Middletown Chamber office.
• Payment can be made by American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, cash or check.
     Make checks payable to: LEMCC Cup Flags.
• The Flags at Champions Row sponsorship fee is $795.00.
• LEMCC federal ID #61-11500690

The Cup Pin^TM

Summer and Fall 2008 - Similar to the world-renowned and often-duplicated Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pin program, a unique pin will be created to commemorate The Cup Experience. The pin will get you in to many of The Cup Experience activities and events. Pins will be sold at the entrance to activities and events, at retail outlets throughout Louisville and for a discounted price at area Meijer stores.

Contact information: