The merchandise tent at Erin Hills for the 2017 U.S. Open is featuring many Wisconsin-made items for visitors from all over the world.
More than 35,000 spectators are expected to attend each day of the U.S. Open at Erin Hills.
The tent opened Thursday, June 8 and has items handmade in Wisconsin.
Jean Wells of Jean's Clay Studio in Brown Deer made dozens of cups and plates especially for the tournament.
"So February through May I was non-stop working on these pieces to get them all done," she said.
She was surprised when the USGA found her online.
"I'm just enjoying the ride and this is the first day. People are coming in so it's pretty exciting," she said.
Mary Lopuszynski, senior director of merchandising and licensing for the USGA, said Wells’ pottery aren't the only items with ties to Wisconsin.
"We have a little rubber duck with a cheesehead with the U.S. Open logo which is sort of a fun thing to do," she said.
There are also shirts, hats, cups, umbrellas, and bags with the U.S. Open logo. But Lopuszynski said the main attraction is the famous Erin Hills shamrock.
"I've been doing this for 23 years and it's the best reception we've ever had to people looking at the U.S. Open logo and saying, 'Wow, that's a fantastic logo!’," she said.
The merchandise tent is open to the general public through Sunday, June 11. There is no ticket or parking pass required until play begins June 12.
The tent is 39,000 square feet and has more than 400,000 items.
For more information visit usopen.com
