South Lake Tahoe celebrates Charles Barkley Day at American Century Championship

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - During the 2007 American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe, there was the tragic devastation of the Angora Fire viewable from the tee box at No. 17. Just a few days before the fire ripped through neighborhoods, destroying 242 homes and burning 3,100 acres.

"The town rolls out the red carpet for us every year and we can't just come there and play," said former NBA great Charles Barkley of his thoughts in 2007.

He left the golf course and walked through the streets where instead of homes there was smoldering rubble. He met with firefighters and showed the world the tragedy through a camera crew. Then, in true Charles Barkley-style, he treated firefighters and their families to dinner at the former Cabo Wabo inside Harveys Tahoe. Lake Valley Fire, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, and Tahoe Douglas Fire Departments joined Barkley. At the peak, there had been as many as 2,180 firefighters involved in battling the blaze.

Not only did Barkley take everyone to dinner, but he also donated $100,000 that year and added another $90,000 the following year to go those who lost everything in the Angora Fire.

"Thank you for having us up there every year," said Barkley at the time.

To honor Barkley a plaque was installed near the driving range, acknowledging him for his aid to the South Lake Tahoe/Meyers community.

He was also honored by local firefighters in 2017 on the tenth anniversary of the fire.

"Charles Barkley became a beacon of hope and support for the firefighters and the recovery efforts of the community," Tahoe Douglas Fire Marshal Eric Guevin told the crowd at the 10th tee that year. "Charles, we are here to support and cheer you on in your game today. We want people to care, be aware and prepare for wildfires. On behalf of the Fire Chiefs of Lake Tahoe, Sir Charles thank you for caring."

"In sports, there is a saying “Game On” But Charles Barkley knew it was no game," said Guevin in 2017. "But it was definitely “on” and he could not sit on the side lines! "

And as another honor, Saturday, July 11, 2020, is "Charles Barkley Day" at the tournament. The City of South Lake Tahoe proclaimed the special day in 2008 and it has been recognized each year since them. Barkley is celebrated for his support of the local community, especially during those horrific days just after the Angora Fire.

He started off his annual trek to South Lake Tahoe with buying a round of shots for everyone at the airport's Flight Deck Bar & Grill after his plane landed this week.