A summer tradition in Blaine: Your guide to the 25th 3M Championship

The 3M Championship is the 16th of 26 events on the PGA Tour Champions, for professional golfers 50 and over. The 54-hole tournament begins Friday morning. Pro-ams and practice rounds happen all day Monday-Thursday.

Parking and directions: TPC Twin Cities is located at 11444 Tournament Players Parkway in Blaine, but all parking is free available at the Anoka County Airport. Click here for a map of the area and directions

Tickets: Free. Just take the shuttle from the parking areas and walk right in.

Cell phones: Allowed, but keep them silent.

Who's playing:

The 78-player field features 57 players who have combined to win 293 times on the PGA Tour. Eighteen players have won at least one Champions Tour major, headlined by 10-time senior major winner Bernhard Langer. The German won three of the five majors this season, incliding last weekend's Senior British Open. Wisconsin native Steve Stricker, one of the newest faces on the Champions Tour, makes his 3M debut this week. The 12-time PGA Tour winner was a vice captain at last fall's Ryder Cup at Hazeltine in Chaska and this fall will be captain for the U.S. Team in the Presidents Cup. Fellow Wisconsinite Jerry Kelly is also in the field for the first time and joins David Toms, Steve Flesch and Billy Mayfair as 3M "rookies."

The Greats: A popular Saturday tradition at the 3M Championship returns for a 14th year with the Greats of Golf exhibition. Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Lee Trevino headline the event, which includes more than 15 other golf legends and begins after the 3M leaders.

Can I get autographs?

Yes. Players usually take a few minutes to sign after their rounds, atop the hill behind the 18th green (look for the "Autograph Zone" banner). Participants in the Greats of Golf Challenge all have autograph sessions in the expo tent behind the 18th green Saturday morning. Pro tip: Arrive early and don't expect them to sign anything you bring. Picture cards are provided at the signings.

Where can I watch?

Walking paths and hills are popular destinations for fans to gather, espcially behind the ninth green. There are also bleachers located near the driving range and on Nos. 17 and 18.

Food and drink: There are concession stands located around the golf course with a variety of hot food and cold beverages for adults and kids. A beer garden is also located near the 18th fairway.

What if I can't make it? Golf Channel will have tape-delay coverage from 8-10 p.m. on Friday and live coverage from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.