With Scottsdale Police, Fire, and Community Leaders
As Scottsdale’s social season hits full stride, one event rises above them all in size, energy, and impact: the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Known as “The People’s Open,” this iconic tournament draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and can nearly double Scottsdale’s population for the week. With that level of excitement comes an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes planning to ensure the event is not only fun—but safe.
On this episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, host Alicia Haygood is joined by Aaron Bolin of Scottsdale Police and Dave Folio of Scottsdale Fire, two key leaders responsible for public safety planning during one of the largest sporting events in the world. Together, they break down what it takes to transform a 220-acre golf course into a fully functioning “city within a city.”
From traffic control and crowd flow to emergency response and medical preparedness, the coordination required is massive. Planning begins nearly a year in advance and involves a unified command structure that brings together Scottsdale Police, Fire, federal agencies, medical partners, city departments, and the Thunderbirds. The goal is simple but critical: make sure fans can enjoy the week safely while the city continues to operate smoothly.
One of the biggest changes in recent years has been traffic and parking logistics. With general admission parking no longer on site, fans are encouraged to park at locations like WestWorld and Salt River Fields and use the continuous shuttle system. While this may feel less convenient at first, it significantly improves traffic flow and pedestrian safety around the course. Additional gates, widened walkways, and reconfigured entrances—like the Hayden Road gate—help move people more efficiently throughout the event.
Public safety efforts go far beyond traffic. Scottsdale Fire works strategically across the course with staged equipment, water access points, and rapid response teams prepared for everything from medical emergencies to fire suppression. Medical tents staffed by healthcare partners allow first responders to treat guests on site, reducing strain on local hospitals while still providing excellent care.
Scottsdale Police deploy a wide range of resources, including bicycle units, motorcycle officers, specialty patrols, undercover detectives, and regional law enforcement partners. From large-scale threat mitigation to underage drinking enforcement, the focus remains on prevention, visibility, and quick response. Fans are reminded that the entire tournament footprint operates under a single liquor license—meaning disorderly behavior can result in immediate removal from the event.
Another important conversation highlighted during the episode is awareness. With large events comes increased risk for issues like human trafficking, medical emergencies, or safety hazards. The message from both departments is clear: If you see something that doesn’t seem right, say something. Whether it’s an unattended bag, unsafe behavior, or someone who appears to be in distress, reporting concerns helps keep everyone safe.
Despite the seriousness of the work, both Bolin and Folio emphasize that this is a labor of pride for Scottsdale. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is internationally recognized not just for its energy, but for how well it is run. Delegations from other countries regularly observe Scottsdale’s planning model to learn how large-scale events can be managed successfully.
As fans prepare for the week ahead, the advice is simple: plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, use shuttles, respect private property, and most importantly—have fun responsibly. With thousands of professionals working around the clock, Scottsdale is ready to welcome visitors for another unforgettable—and safe—Waste Management Phoenix Open.