By Amy Rogers

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio – As the gates opened to the public on Thursday morning at the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G, fans wasted no time checking out this year’s enhanced Fan Zone experience beside the 18th green at TPC River’s Bend. From hair styling to food sampling to a family center for little ones, the Fan Zone is one of the many ways that Kroger and P&G have increased their on-site presence in an effort to grow the tournament into a must-see event in the Cincinnati area.

“We want to make this an experience the entire family can take advantage of,” said Matt Griffith, Senior Director at Procter & Gamble. “If they love golf there’s world class golf out on the course and when they need a break or they want to do something different, the Fan Zone has something for everyone.”

Thursday morning, Beauty on the Green drew the largest crowd as women flooded the four styling stations eager to indulge in the free dry hair styling experience that features brands like Pantene, Head+Shoulders, and more. Griffith says the styling stations were a hit last year as well amongst both men and women as the team started a waiting list and brought in additional chairs to accommodate the demand.

The Crest and Oral-B 360 degree selfie cam is located right next to Beauty on the Green and is a new addition for this year. Fans can snap a selfie while holding props like a quiet sign held by volunteers throughout the tournament or even a putter.

“Everyone can be getting their hair done and looking great and share it out on their socials,” Griffith said with a laugh about fans sharing their new hairdo. “If you’ve got hair, they can work with that.”

Kroger and P&G’s growing presence can be felt outside the Fan Zone, too.

New for this season is a grandstand that has been constructed behind the tee box at the par three, 7th hole called the Olay Body Public viewing deck. The new viewing platform gives fans a prime spot to watch the tournament action and Olay Body samples are available to fans who visit the seating area.

The Secret Autograph Alley is returning again this year but has a new location behind the 18th green near player scoring and offers a dedicated space for the youngest fans to be able to see the best of the LPGA Tour up close after their round with a chance to snag an autograph or selfie.

“It’s been so cool to see all the kids over there getting off school for the day and grabbing some autographs when their favorite players finish,” Griffith said about the impressive turnout on day one of the Kroger Queen City championship where kids were seen waiting for autographs from Nelly Korda, Maria Fassi, and Charley Hull, to name a few.

Young fans will have much more to enjoy as the week goes on. Saturday is Junior Day at the Kroger Queen City Championship thanks to Gillette and Venus who are helping to make the day special for young fans who will each receive a backpack with a water bottle upon arriving at the tournament. Children are free to attend with a paid adult and are welcome to attend a free clinic on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the practice putting green behind the TPC River’s Bend clubhouse and near the 18th green.

“I mean it really did come from starting with our brands and our fans and creating the things that make sense for the brands, but also make it a great experience for the fans,” Griffith said about the tournament’s initiatives for fans. “We want to build the Kroger Queen City Championship into can’t miss entertainment for the region, and we know as part of that we need to create experiences that people want to come and be a part of.”

Other offerings in the Fan Zone include:

–        Pampers Family Center with a nursing room and changing stations as well as toys for toddlers and babies

–        Kroger’s Freshest Putt, a 30-foot uphill putting challenge in which fans can participate and will be entered to win a Kroger Gift Card

–        Food and drink samples from Kroger’s favorite brands which features products from crackers, to protein-infused drinks, to granola bars

–        Don Francisco’s free coffee

–        Bottled water and sparkling water stations

–        Concession stands

–        Kroger’s Cool Zone with misting fans and seating shaded seating
–        LaRosa’s Pizza