ROGERS, Ark. – The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G returns next week to Pinnacle Country Club with a new interactive and educational center for kids, expanded charitable programs and a field that features both fan favorites and top-ranked players. Admissions gates are open to the public Tuesday, June 19 through Sunday, June 24. Tickets are on sale now at www.NWAChampionship.com.

NEW: Officials Announce Walmart and P&G STEAM Center at the #NWAChampionship

With a new initiative driven by Walmart and P&G, the #NWAChampionship will offer a new onsite experience for kids to explore the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics in a fun and interactive environment onsite at the tournament. Located by the 16^th green, the Walmart and P&G STEAM Center will feature activations from Walmart, P&G, the Amazeum and others with activities including virtual reality, circuit blocks and robotics.

“One of the tournament’s core missions has always been to give back to our community,” stated P&G Vice President, Mindy Sherwood. “This fun and engaging activity center for kids of all ages will work to break down the intimidation factors of STEAM in the hope of inspiring the next generation of engineers, coders, scientists and beyond.”

In addition, P&G will host the first annual Always Live #LikeAGirl STEAM Day on Thursday, June 21 for 100 young girls from the region. The Walmart and P&G STEAM Center is free and open to the public Friday through Sunday of the tournament.

COMMUNITY: Tournament and #BITENWA Give Back Through Community Partnerships

The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G and BITE NW Arkansas have partnered with three local organizations to make a difference through the #BITENWA food festival this year.

In celebration of the NWA Food Bank’s 30^th anniversary, $3 of every ticket sold to BITE NW Arkansas will directly benefit the Food Bank. Through food and monetary donations, the #NWAChampionship and BITE NW Arkansas have provided nearly 5 million meals and counting to the Northwest Arkansas community since the inception of the partnership.

NWACC and BITE NW Arkansas have developed an extensive partnership over the past four years to positively impact the students of Brightwater Culinary School. Through #BITENWA, students are exposed to James Beard Foundation chefs and are integrated into the programming of a premier culinary event. Annually, a student is awarded the BITE scholarship, which aims to cultivate and retain culinary talent in the region. Additionally, in partnership with General Mills, the food festival will offer a healthy cooking class featuring local chefs for kids from area Boys & Girls Club programs on Thursday, June 21.

COMPETITION: Event’s Final Field Includes Fan Favorites Lydia Ko, Stacy Lewis and Lexi Thompson

Fan favorites Lydia Ko, Stacy Lewis and Lexi Thompson are set to appear alongside other top LPGA players at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G next week. The final tournament field was announced today and is one of the strongest in tournament history, with the top 10 LPGA players in the world committed to play. Other featured players include 2017 Champion So Yeon Ryu, Inbee Park, Jessica Korda, Michelle Wie and Danielle Kang.