This weekend Augusta’s airports are expecting to see the first wave of visitors arriving for this year’s Masters tournament.
This will mark the first traditional tournament week since the 2019 Masters.
Because of the pandemic, the 2020 tournament was delayed until November and had no spectators. The 2021 tournament was held in April as scheduled but with limited spectators in attendance.
Executive Director Herbert Judon, Jr. said they are already seeing an increase in activity because of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Tournament.
“It’s actually a good test ground this week for Masters. For example, if you go downstairs, you’ll see a lot of the shuttle companies, and the ground transportation companies waiting on their guests with the Women’s National Tournament,” he said.
Visitors will find new amenities and parking protocols at Augusta Regional Airport.
One of the largest changes is the creation of an area called the Eastern Operations area at 3006 Lock and Dam Ct. It is a new area for private pilots to park their aircraft. It is also a convenience for the passengers and their car services.
“Some of the airplanes that park on our secondary run right runway, eight-two-six, they’ll be able to depart directly off onto Lock and Dam Road and go directly to the terminal, where in years past we had to shuttle them all back over to this side,” he said. “So, we’re excited about that. We think that’ll make the experience for some of our patrons even better.”
Whether arriving or departing, passenger traveling through the airport will be greeted by “PALs.”
“Our ‘PALs,’ passenger assistant liaisons, are customer service employees that work in the terminal. They assist passengers with wayfinding, with their luggage and help wheelchair assistance as well,” said Lauren Smith, airport public relations manager.
Returning to the airport will be the spring Music Fest, with local musicians performing each day of Masters Week for at least three hours a day.”
Daniel Field is also putting the finishing touches on its tournament week plans.
“We will be ready,” said Becky Shealy, VP of Business Development at Augusta Aviation. “There’s always last minute, you know, behind the scenes. Oh, my gosh, did we get this done? And, you know, if we didn’t, can we get it done by then?”
One of the largest preparations is getting the airport’s air traffic control tower operational. Shealy said crews set up and tested all the equipment on March 30. It goes live on April 4 and will remain operational through April 11.
The tower is one of the airport’s largest expenses for the week.
“You know, while you may make a lot of money, during Masters, you also have a lot of expenses that you have to take care of as well.,” Shealy said. “The tower, usually that for us too, because we have to put those air traffic controllers up in a hotel. So, the hotel and to pay these guys to be here is right at $20,000 a year. So that’s an expense right off the top.”
Pilots can register in advance for space to park at the commuter airport. Shealy said they have had a little more than 100 registrations so far for April 4 through April 11. She said many do not register until the day before they will arrive, but the advance number is a good indication they will be busy.
The link with information for Masters Week, including to reserve a spot, has been posted to the airport’s website: https://www.augustaaviation.com/masters-golf-tournament
Shealy said employees at Daniel Field are excited to see the pilots, many of whom they have know for years. She said she knows just how she will greet them.
“Welcome back,” she will tell them. “Welcome home. Welcome to your home in Augusta.”
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a general assignment reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
