ST. LOUIS — The 2026 BMW Championship will celebrate 250 years of American independence and honor Missouri’s strong military community with a special ticket program and tailored experiences for members of the military community throughout championship week at Bellerive Country Club on Aug. 18-23.

All active-duty military, retirees, active reserve and veterans of any branch of service are eligible to receive complimentary admission to the championship, Tuesday through Sunday, courtesy of the Western Golf Association (WGA) and proud partner, Aggreko Power Solutions. Military tickets can be secured at bmwchampionship.com.

The championship’s week-long celebration of America’s armed forces will include an opening ceremony on the first tee at 8:40 a.m. CT on Thursday, Aug. 20. U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class (ret.) Generald Wilson will perform the national anthem. Wilson, a St. Louis native, has performed at high-profile sporting events including NFL playoff games, the World Series, the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, the NBA Finals, the Indy 500 and the NCAA men’s basketball championship.

The ceremony will also feature a flyover by two A-10s from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, and a presentation of colors by members of the West County EMS & Fire Color Guard before the start of the first round.

“Honoring the brave men and women who serve our country is a vital part of the BMW Championship experience,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA Senior Vice President of Tournaments. “As we bring the championship back to Missouri and celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country, it’s especially meaningful to recognize the service members, veterans and military families who have sacrificed so much for our country and who call this region home.”

With support from Aggreko, spectators with military tickets for Tuesday and Wednesday’s practice rounds will have access to The Turn, a climate-controlled hospitality lounge located alongside the ninth green. The venue will feature complimentary food and drinks, with access available on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited capacity.

“Aggreko is proud to return to the BMW Championship and recognize the service of the U.S. military community,” said Don Gray, Event Sales Leader, Aggreko - North America. “As the event’s Official Military Appreciation Partner, enabling military families to attend a PGA TOUR championship at no cost is a meaningful way for us to show our gratitude for service members and veterans. The military community plays a vital role within our company, and supporting this event is just one way we give back to those who have given so much.”

Efforts to celebrate the military community are being supported by Folds of Honor, an organization that provides educational scholarship to the spouses and children of United States military service members and first responders who have fallen or been disabled while serving our country and communities. In honor of the BMW Championship, Folds of Honor will award four scholarships to Missouri-area students.

Military ticket quantities are limited each day and subject to sell out. Parking, included with all tickets, is located at The Family Arena (2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles, MO 63303). A complimentary shuttle will take fans to and from the main tournament entrance.