The American Century Championship, the celebrity golf tournament at Lake Tahoe, celebrates its 21 birthday July 13-18. Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Bode Miller, Troy Aikman, Jerry Rice, Don Cheadle, Mario Lemieux, Taylor Hicks are among the 80 sports and entertainment stars and Hall of Famers competing in the 54-hole, $600,000 tournament on NBC Sports.

South Shore Lake Tahoe is the place to be for celebrity sightings, parties and superstar entertainment throughout the week. The increased participation of entertainment luminaries and new personalities and athletes has tournament buzz starting early. The event has evolved into a local and national institution, attracting record galleries and attention.

For the fifth consecutive year, the official tournament charity is Livestrong – the organization founded by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. Since the tournament’s inception in 1990, more than $3 million has been raised for a variety of national and local charities.

Newcomers this year include Jared Allen, the Minnesota Vikings’ All-Pro, 2010 Olympic U.S. Hockey Team captain Jamie Langenbrunner, professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler, former Major League Baseball All-Stars and teammates Greg Maddux and John Smoltz.

More than two decades of memories plus sports and entertainment superstars has made the American Century Championship network television’s longest running celebrity golf tournament. NBC Sports will televise the second and final rounds of the tournament live on July 17 and July 18 from noon-3pm, with Friday’s opening round on ESPN2, 4-6pm.

Tickets are available in advance and daily at the gate. Prices are $15 each day for the Lake Tahoe Celebrity-Amateur on July 13, the practice round on July 14, and for the American Century Celebrity-Am on July 15; and $25 for each tournament round, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A Season Pass for $60 provides admission for all six days. Kids 10 and under are free with a paid adult. For tournament tickets, information and lodging packages click here. Discounted tickets are on sale at participating Raley’s, Nob Hill and Bel Air Foods supermarkets.