For the eighth-straight year, DICK’S Sporting Goods will be the presenting sponsor for the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo, set for March 4-6 in conjunction with the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Arguably the largest event of its kind in the country, this exhibit of the latest in bass fishing equipment and outdoor gear will be housed in the Cox Business Center, just as it was during the 2013 Classic.
“It’s great to be going back to Tulsa with DICK’S Sporting Goods once again as the presenting sponsor for the Outdoors Expo,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “DICK’S has been such a terrific sponsor for us with this premier event, and we are excited that they are sharing the spotlight with B.A.S.S. at our consumer show.”
“Partnering with B.A.S.S. on the Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo over the last eight years has really been a great experience for us,” said Mark Rooks, VP of Community Marketing, DICK’S Sporting Goods. “The expo always gives us a unique opportunity to interact with the angler community that comes together for this world-class event. We’re happy to be back as the presenting sponsor of the Outdoors Expo.”
Based on the results from 2013, this year’s event should be one of the most popular ever for B.A.S.S. and DICK’S Sporting Goods. Three years ago, the Classic, Outdoors Expo and related venues attracted more than 106,850 fans, for the second-highest attendance in history. Only the 2009 Classic in Shreveport-Bossier City, La., drew more, with 137,700.
Additionally, the economic impact of the first Tulsa Classic was $22.7 million.
“We’re so excited to finally say the Bassmaster Classic is coming back to Tulsa,” said Ray Hoyt, president of VisitTulsa. “We worked our tails off in 2013 to ensure this event was a huge success because we wanted to show our partners at B.A.S.S., and other major league events, what a great place the Tulsa region is. We wanted another Classic the minute the 2013 event was over.”
Featuring free admission to the public, the Outdoors Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods will be open 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 4, as well as 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. On Friday only, media, B.A.S.S. Life members, B.A.S.S. Nation members and DICK’S Scorecard members have been invited to a special preview event at the show from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
DICK’S Sporting Goods will bring a totally new look to the Expo from years past. A reinvented onsite store is anchored by the 4,000 gallon bass tank with live fishing shows from the biggest names in fishing. The launch of many new products for 2016, free foam “bass hands” to wave at the weigh-ins, social media contests and even the possibility of a Sasquatch sighting are in store for guests.
Dozens of big-name makers of fishing tackle, boats, motors and other outdoor products for fresh and saltwater anglers will exhibit their products in the 102,600 square feet of column-free space. In addition, the Expo will feature guest appearances by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as live updates from the water in the B.A.S.S. booth, giveaways by B.A.S.S. sponsors, fishing seminars and B.A.S.S. official Classic merchandise.
Daily takeoff for the 55 competitors in the 46th Bassmaster Classic will be at 7 a.m. from Wolf Creek Park, with weigh-in beginning at 3:15 p.m. at BOK Center. As with the Expo, admission is free for both.
Since 2006 the Classic has been held during the third or fourth weekend in February, but it was moved to early March this year to better accommodate preseason schedules of anglers and sponsors and to avoid conflict with other industry events.
“If moving the event improves odds of good fishing weather, that’s a bonus,” said Akin. “But we proved in 2013, as well as at Lake Hartwell (2015 Classic in South Carolina) that freezing temperatures don’t hamper the anglers’ fishing success, nor do they hurt attendance.”
Mississippi pro Cliff Pace won the first Tulsa Classic with 54 pounds, 12 ounces for three days of fishing.
2016 Bassmaster Classic Title Sponsor: GEICO
2016 Bassmaster Classic Presenting Sponsors: GoPro
2016 Bassmaster Classic Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2016 Bassmaster Classic Premier Sponsors: Berkley, GoPro, Huk, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
2016 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo Presenting Sponsor: DICK’S Sporting Goods
About B.A.S.S.: B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), social media programs and events. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Nation, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Costa Bassmaster High School Series, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.
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