Over the past eight years, the Greater Jackson County Chamber of Commerce has brought Sealy Outdoors and the McDonald’s Big Bass Splash to Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro and every year it continues to grow. The organizers have been putting on tournaments in Texas for 29 years and the tournaments there have over 8,000 boats with a payout of over $1,800,000. Bob Sealy, head of the organization said, “We are excited about being in Scottsboro, Alabama at this great lake. It is now the largest amateur tournament of its kind in Alabama. We know this lake (Guntersville) has a great bass reputation and perhaps one year the tournament here will be as large as our Texas Big Bass Splash. You ain’t seen nothing yet!”
The BIG news is that Sealy Outdoors has now entered into a joint marketing agreement with B.A.S.S. to market and promote the Big Bass Splash series of events. In 2013, the total of amateur anglers is expected to grow as they try their skill at the $155,000 to be awarded at the 8th Annual McDonald’s Big Bass Splash held at Goose Pond on March 23 and 24 in Scottsboro.
It really doesn’t stop there. The promotion for Northeast Alabama from this tournament has reached hundreds of thousands of people. Over 500,000 brochures are printed and distributed; exhibitions are set-up at over 18 outdoor & boat shows; direct mailing goes out to over 60,000 anglers (twice); press releases are sent out to every newspaper in seven states (exclusive to the Lake Guntersville event); print media advertising is found in BASS Master Magazine, Louisiana Sportsman Magazine, Tennessee Valley Outdoors, & Great Days Outdoors Magazine; AND the City of Scottsboro, The Chamber, Goose Pond and our lodging establishments are promoted on their web site – www.sealyoutdoors.com (you can also register to fish the tournament at this site on the web).
After all was said and done plus some tough weather conditions, the 2012 McDonald’s Big Bass Splash on Lake Guntersville had an economic impact of over $3.1 Million spent in our local businesses. Anglers came from 23 states to fish in the tournament and for every dollar that Jackson County Tourism invested in this tournament, $3.33 will be returned in the form of sales tax, lodging tax and fuel tax to our city and county. I would say that’s a pretty good return wouldn’t you?
Another special aspect about this tournament: A portion of every registration goes to the Ronald McDonald House (McDonald’s Charities). This is a real rarity since very few tournaments give back to a worthwhile cause. And that check is given to a McDonald’s representative when all the awards are distributed.
And more good news: We’ll be bringing this tournament to Scottsboro and Goose Pond again in 2014! If you love to fish and love winning cash and prizes, pick up a tournament registration at the Jackson County Chamber, K-98 (the official radio station for the tournament), McDonald’s restaurants, and area businesses that outfit and house our anglers. Call the Chamber at 256-259-5500 if you need more information.
Don’t forget that at the end of the tournament an “Open Drawing” will be held for a special surprise to be announced. This includes all contestants and spectators who are present and are 18 years and up. Bring out the whole family and watch the hourly weigh-ins.
There are no comments
Please login to post comments