This year’s tournament marks a milestone as SAS celebrates its 50th anniversary, reinforcing its role as both a global technology leader and a local community partner. A central addition for spectators is the Fairway Forecast, a mobile web application that uses SAS analytics to provide real-time player insights, competitive projections, and interactive chat features. Fans can test their predictive skills on the 17th and 18th holes, utilizing the SAS Index to gauge projected player performance throughout the week.

The event’s charitable footprint remains significant, with more than $6 million raised for the YMCA of the Triangle over the tournament’s history. For the 2026 edition, SAS is contributing $220,000 to the Y Learning Intervention program, specifically targeting STEM education. Programming includes the fifth annual HBCU Invitational, which brings 15 collegiate teams to the course alongside a dedicated career day at SAS headquarters. Other events, such as Women’s Day and Folds of Honor Friday, continue to integrate leadership sessions and tributes to service members into the sporting schedule. The week concludes with the Fairway to Fun event on October 16, offering families hands-on AI activities and a fireworks finale.