Golf’s most iconic week has never looked quite like this. On the evening of April 8, 2026, the city of Augusta, Georgia, became the unlikely backdrop for one of the most talked-about celebrity gatherings of the spring, as DraftKings and Sports Illustrated joined forces for the second annual Augusta After Dark, presented by Venmo and Velocity Black and produced by Authentic Live, a division of Authentic Brands Group. What unfolded over the course of that evening was the kind of night that reminds you exactly why the intersection of sports, music, and culture is such a powerful place to be.
The invite-only event welcomed DraftKings’ most loyal customers alongside a remarkable lineup of athletes, entertainers, and cultural tastemakers, all of whom gathered in an intimate setting that felt equal parts exclusive and electric. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere made it clear that this was not just another celebrity party this was something genuinely special.
Dave Grohl delivered a performance no one will forget anytime soon
The undeniable highlight of the evening came from rock legend Dave Grohl, who took the stage for a private acoustic set alongside bandmate Rami Jaffee that had the crowd completely captivated from start to finish. Grohl performed a setlist that pulled from some of the most beloved songs of his career, including Everlong, My Hero, and Times Like These, among others. The intimacy of the setting transformed what could have been a straightforward concert into something far more personal, with guests singing along to every word throughout the night.
It was the kind of performance that rarely happens outside of a stadium, which made experiencing it in such a close, private environment all the more remarkable for everyone in attendance.
Shaq and Kevin Hart turned the chipping green into must-see television
While Grohl commanded the stage, two of sports and entertainment’s most beloved personalities were busy making their own kind of magic elsewhere on the grounds. Shaquille O’Neal and Kevin Hart, both shareholders of Authentic Brands Group and co-owners of Sports Illustrated, squared off in a spirited and thoroughly entertaining competition on the event’s pitching green. Anyone who has ever watched these two interact knows that the combination of Hart’s competitive energy and O’Neal’s larger-than-life presence is essentially guaranteed entertainment, and the chipping green showdown did not disappoint.
The friendly rivalry between the two perfectly captured the spirit of the entire evening high energy, genuinely fun, and impossible to look away from.
A night built for the fans who make it all possible
Beyond the celebrity spectacle, Augusta After Dark was designed with a clear purpose: to reward DraftKings’ most loyal customers with an experience that matched the scale and prestige of Masters week. Guests enjoyed elevated culinary offerings, handcrafted cocktails, and a range of curated hospitality moments throughout the night. Velocity Black members were treated to access to a private lounge, while Venmo added a competitive golf simulator challenge to the mix, awarding prizes to the three guests who shot closest to the pin.
Brand partners HydroJug and Reebok also contributed to the evening’s atmosphere through custom giveaways, a branded chipping competition, and a stylish staff wardrobe courtesy of Reebok and Vince. Other notable attendees included Ray Lewis, Victor Cruz, J.R. Smith, and Jenna Simms, rounding out a guest list that felt as carefully curated as everything else about the night.
Now in its second year, Augusta After Dark is quietly becoming one of the most anticipated events on the sports and entertainment calendar and based on everything that unfolded on April 8, year three cannot come soon enough.
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Source: DraftKings Inc. and Sports Illustrated via press release
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