Latest news with #ChaseAnderson
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
B.A.S.S. headquarters moves to Hoover
HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) — The city of Hoover is home to the SEC Baseball Tournament and now B.A.S.S. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new headquarters of the world's largest fishing organization was held Monday. B.A.S.S. works to promote the sport of bass fishing to all ages. Who is running for governor of Alabama in 2026? 'We're looking for an environment that reflected our brand and our values, what we stand for in the sport fishing industry,' B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson said. 'And it was so special when we found this beautiful natural environment here in Inverness right on Lake Heather.' Celebrating the grand opening was Bassmaster Classic champion Easton Fothergill, who graduated from the University of Montevallo. Elite Series anglers Will Davis Jr. and Justin Hamner, who are Alabama natives, were there. High school anglers from Vestavia Hills, Hoover and Briarwood Christian attended. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Return of Bassmaster Classic highlights growth of Knoxville sports scene
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Bassmaster Classic is making its return to Knoxville in 2026, marking another addition to the Scruffy City's growing sports scene. The competition was previously held in Knoxville in 2019 and 2023. More than 160,000 people traveled to the city for the event two years ago, setting an attendance record. 'They're coming for a lot of reasons,' said Visit Knoxville President Kim Bumpas. 'They're coming to watch the competition but they're also coming to go to the world's largest fishing expo, that actually has a lot more to shop for than just fishing equipment, so it's super exciting for everyone in Knoxville.' Construction of East Knoxville multiuse stadium enters final phase The 2023 classic made an impact on more than just Knoxville's fishing community. 'In 2023, the economic impact was over $35 million. That's people staying in hotels, eating at restaurants, shopping, enjoying all the city has to offer. Over 29,000 hotel rooms were purchased over the stay of visitors for the 2023 classic,' B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson said. Professional Angler Robert Gee grew up in Knoxville and graduated from Christian Academy of Knoxville and University of Tennessee. He's competing at his first ever Bassmaster Classic this year in Fort Worth, Texas, but is hoping to qualify for the 2026 competition in his hometown. 'That's going to be my number one goal, is to make this classic, because I grew up fishing up on Fort Loudoun and Tellico,' he said. 'I mean this has been my home lake growing up so I'm really looking forward to trying to make this tournament.' Price increase for UT Basketball season tickets due to talent fee, arena upgrades The news of the Bassmaster Classic's return comes during an era of growth for the Knoxville sports scene. The Smokies baseball team will soon begin their first season in the new multi-use stadium being built in downtown Knoxville which will also host professional soccer team One Knoxville Sporting Club. As a lifelong Knoxvillian, Gee says right now is the best time to be a Tennessee sports fan. 'It's been the best of my lifetime. I was born in 1999, so I was born like eleven days after we won the 1998 national championship. So this has kind of been the peak of my life of Tennessee sports. I mean we're good at baseball, basketball, football. We're getting the Smokies to come to Knoxville. We're getting the Bassmaster Classic to come to Knoxville. So if you're a sports fan, Knoxville is the perfect place to live in my opinion,' he said. The 2026 Bassmaster Classic will be held March 13-15. Fort Loudoun Lake, Tellico Lake and Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center will all serve as venues for the competition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bassmaster Classic returning to Knoxville in Spring 2026
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Super Bowl of bass fishing is returning to Knoxville in 2026. The Bassmaster Classic will be held in Knoxville for the third time on March 13-15, 2026. B.A.S.S. officials announced Wednesday that the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour will be held in Knoxville with competition on the Tennessee River lakes of Fort Loudoun and Tellico and daily weigh-ins at the University of Tennessee's Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in downtown Knoxville. In addition. the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo will be held at the Knoxville Convention Center and World's Fair Exhibition Hall. Price increase for UT Basketball season tickets due to talent fee, arena upgrades 'We are thrilled to return to the site of two of our most successful Classics in history,' said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. 'East Tennessee fully embraces the Classic for what it truly is — a celebration of the sport of bass fishing. The fan experience in Knoxville is second to none, with all event venues within walking distance. With our ever-growing global fanbase, we expect the 2026 Classic to be even bigger and more exciting.' With daily takeoffs from Volunteer Landing, located downtown along the Tennessee River, the 2023 Classic drew a record crowd of 163,914 spectators. It generated an economic impact of $35.5 million for Knoxville and East Tennessee, bringing in $2.85 million in state and local tax revenue and supporting 12,698 jobs throughout the event. In 2019, the Classic generated an economic impact of $32.2 million for Knoxville and East Tennessee. Nine players in the Super Bowl have Tennessee ties 'Knoxville shines during major events like the Bassmaster Classic,' said Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville. 'Both the anglers and fans enjoy an unmatched experience, from the Tennessee River to the world-class venues hosting events throughout Classic weekend. We are excited to welcome everyone back in 2026.' 'B.A.S.S. is extremely excited to return to Knoxville for the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour,' said Chris Bowes, B.A.S.S. vice president of tournaments. 'This event should be just as competitive as past Classics on Fort Loudoun and Tellico lakes. We expect to see all three black bass species cross the weigh-in scales, and with such a versatile fishery, competitors will be able to play to their strengths. One thing that won't change is the breathtaking backdrop of Knoxville and the convenience of its world-class venues for both anglers and fans.' Meet eagle made famous by NFL pregame flights at Super Bowl party in Kodak The field will include 58 anglers who will qualify through Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance, Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew's and the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship. Prizes include $300,000 first-place prize and a total purse of over $850,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
