Bassmaster Classic coming to Sheveport in 2009

[jubilant]

BASS Announces Three Years of Bassmaster Classic Venues

 

2009 Classic in Shreveport-Bossier City, La.; 2010 in Birmingham, Ala.; 2011 in New Orleans

 

 

by BASS Communications / BASS

 

Bassmaster Classic returns to New Orleans in 2011.

 

 

(Feb. 21, 2008 - Celebration, FL)... A rockin’ Southern spot, America’s Bass Capital and the Big Easy will usher in the excitement of the Bassmaster Classic through the next three years.

 

In 2009, the 39th Bassmaster Classic will be held on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La., where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr., Kitty Wells and Slim Whitman, among others, started their careers; in 2010, Birmingham, Ala., welcomes back the Classic for the seventh time; and in 2011, the Classic marches back to New Orleans.

 

Launches through the three days of competition in 2009 will be from Red River South Marina in Bossier City, La.

 

"We’re excited to welcome the Bassmaster Classic back to Louisiana, long known as the Sportsman’s Paradise," Louisiana Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu said. "We invite all the anglers, fans, and our BASS/ESPN family to enjoy Louisiana’s natural beauty, its great fishing, and our unique cultural heritage."

 

"BASS is thrilled to bring the Classic to three vibrant and diverse bass fishing destinations," said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS. "This announcement highlights our commitment to our fans and to our sponsors. Much like the Super Bowl, fans now can make arrangements well in advance of attending future Classics - bass fishing’s pinnacle event."

 

With its historic first Bassmaster Classic, Shreveport-Bossier City also earns the distinction of hosting the first Classic in which a Women’s Bassmaster Tour angler will participate. The winner of the 2008 Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year will automatically qualify for the 2009 Classic.

 

"The Bassmaster Classic is a dream event," said Mary Ann Tice, executive director of the Shreveport Regional Sports Authority. "Hosting the Bassmaster Classic will be a defining moment for Shreveport-Bossier City and Northwest Louisiana. We are completely delighted and proud to welcome ESPN Outdoor and the entire BASS family to our world."

 

The Shreveport Regional Sports Authority will roll out the red carpet for Classic weigh-ins at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City. The 2009 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo will be at the Shreveport Convention Center.

 

 

Those interested in volunteering at the 2009 Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport-Bossier City should call BASS at 1-877-BASS-USA.