Bassmaster Classic Expo offers demonstrations, entertainment
BY KELLY BOSTIAN World Outdoors Writer
Sunday, February 17, 2013
2/17/13 at 5:00 AM
Watch a narrated aerial tour of Grand Lake on Google Earth. Play the Weigh-In challenge contest and win prizes. Read all our coverage and watch videos of the anglers discussing the event.
The Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo presented by Dicks Sporting Goods will fill the 300,000-square-foot Tulsa Convention Center Friday through Sunday.
Admission is free and it is open to the public Noon-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. While the anglers are on the water, this is where the crowds will be. Early projections have up to 100,000 people through the doors over the three days.
"This is a different kind of show, the first aspect being it is free and most people are accustomed to consumer shows where they have to pay an entry fee," said Michael Mulone, director of event and tourism partnerships for BASS.
The show is for anyone interested in any aspect of the outdoors but it is especially appealing to people who love to fish, would like to fish, or only get to go fishing once or twice a year.
"People get excited about it because they get to see all the new tackle for the new year and people get excited by the show and get inspired to get outside," Mulone said.
This year the EXPO is near the weigh-in site, and an outdoor Bass Bash street fair that will fill Third Street, between the Convention Center and the BOK Center, creates an added dimension that should enhance the experience, Mulone said.
Vendors create a carnival-like atmosphere with games, giveaways and spontaneous on-the-spot seminars at booths, on the floor and at the large fishing tank inside. People looking for boats, or bobbers, might find some great bargains.
Top professional anglers will be working at industry booths at the show and celebrity anglers like Bill Dance and Hank Parker usually make appearances. Fans get up close and ask questions, take photos and get autographs.
"You see (Auburn, Calif., pro) Skeet Reese and ask, 'Hey, Skeet, what would you be doing if you were on Grand right now?' and he may get out those baits and talk with you or give a demonstration right there," Mulone said. "It's a welcoming, open and friendly atmosphere."
Added to the show this year is the Outdoor Game Zone with the Daisy Inflatable Shooting Education Range and Super Retriever Series Dock Dogs competition and demonstrations.
The show changes and grows year-to-year, and the timing of the show lines up with the release of most of the new gear for the season, Mulone said.
"That's why people want to travel to see it year after year," he said.
"It is a true 360-degree outdoor lifestyle expo that offers a great family friendly experience."
Outdoor Game Zone SCHEDULE
at the Tulsa Convention Center/Bassmaster Expo
Friday
Daisy Range: Open to public, National Wild Turkey Foundation, noon to 5 p.m.
SRS Eukanuba Super Dock
Noon: Super Dock Dogs
1 p.m.: Scott Greer and Robb Watts: Ducks and Dogs at Work
1:15 p.m: Pro Super Dock Dogs Competition
2 p.m.: Fun Jumps audience participation
3:15 p.m.: Casting with Pro Fishermen
3:30 p.m.: Pro Super Dock Dogs
4:30 p.m.: Fun Jumps audience participation
5 p.m.: Super V Pro Dock Dogs
Saturday
Daisy Range: Open to public, National Wild Turkey Foundation, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SRS Eukanuba Super Dock
10 a.m.: Super Dock Dogs
11 a.m.: Scott Greer and Robb Watts - Ducks and Dogs at Work
11:15 a.m.: Pro Super Dock Dog Competition
12:15 p.m.: Casting with the Pros - Fishing
1:15 p.m.: Scott Greer and Robb Watts - Ducks and Dogs at Work
1:30 p.m.: Pro Super Dock Dog Competition
2:15 p.m.: Casting with the Pros - Fishing
2:30 p.m.: Super V Pro Competition Semifinals
3 p.m.: Retriever Trial Finalists introduction on the dock
4 p.m.: Fun Jumps audience participation
Sunday
Daisy Range: Open to public, National Wild Turkey Foundation, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
SRS Eukanuba Super Dock
10 a.m.: Super Dock Dogs
11 a.m.: Scott Greer and Robb Watts - Ducks and Dogs at Work
11:15 a.m.: Pro Dock Dogs Semifinals
12:15 p.m.: Casting with the Pros - Fishing
12:30 p.m.: Fun Jumps audience participation
1:30 p.m.: Pro Dock Dogs Finals
2:30 p.m.: Casting with the Pros - Fishing
2:45 p.m.: Super V Finals
Original Print Headline: Outdoors carnival
Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357
kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Fans view a live demonstration tank at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo in February 2012. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file
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