Bassmaster Classic taking up Knoxville for a enjoyable, free weekend

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  • The Bassmaster Classic, often called the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing,” returns to Knoxville for a 3rd time March 13-15.
  • The occasion kicks off with a celeb pro-am match that includes stars like Bron Breakker, Randy Moss and Koe Wetzel.
  • Free public occasions embrace day by day weigh-ins, an open air expo and a live performance by a finalist from “The Voice.”
  • Fifty-eight anglers will compete for a complete purse of over $850,000, with $300,000 for the winner.

The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic has been lured for a 3rd time to Knoxville by a Tennessee River ripe for fishing and a metropolis able to accommodating the 100,000-plus followers drawn to the competitors, weigh-ins and expo taking place March 13-15.

The occasion is taken into account the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing,” and among the largest names in music and sports activities will probably be out in town March 12 to assist kick issues off.

NFL Hall of Fame broad receiver Randy Moss, nation artist Koe Wetzel, WWE famous person Bron Breakker and NASCAR driver Ross Chastain are among the many celebrities being paired with professional anglers to see who can catch essentially the most fish by weight. Once they’re completed, they will head to downtown’s new Covenant Health Park for a weigh-in and meet-and-greet with followers.

Thursday’s occasion on the stadium, dwelling to Knoxville Smokies baseball and One Knoxville SC soccer, is free and open to the general public. Weigh-ins are set for five:15 p.m. on the stadium, and the meet-and-greet will observe at 6:15 p.m. on the third-base facet of the ballpark.

Fans can stick round for a 6:30 efficiency by DEK of Hearts, a Season 28 finalist on “The Voice,” in addition to post-show fireworks scheduled for 7:50 p.m. But the enjoyable does not need to cease there.

The different Bassmaster occasions taking place round city are also free, together with the weigh-ins, which occur at 4:15 p.m. Friday-Sunday at Food City Center.

Food City Center and Covenant Health Park have the identical clear-bag coverage: Clear luggage should not exceed 12 x 6 x 12 inches, however clutch purses no greater than 4.5 x 6.5 inches are allowed. Food City Center additionally permits for a one-gallon resealable bag rather than a typical clear bag, but it surely won’t enable the buckets followers may obtain on the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo.

The expo is taking up the Knoxville Convention Center and the adjoining World’s Fair Exhibition Hall all through the weekend. The expo incorporates a vary of activations, leisure and alternatives for prizes. Quite a lot of fishing, searching and tenting distributors will probably be readily available promoting gear and selling their merchandise.

Expo hours differ day by day:

  • Noon-7 p.m. Friday, March 13
  • 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, March 14
  • 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, March 15

The Progressive Tailgate for followers will probably be taking place every of these days from 10 a.m. to three p.m. on the plaza exterior the conference heart.

Fifty-eight of the world’s prime anglers earned their spots within the 2026 Bassmaster Classic via a variety of Bassmaster tournaments and occasions. The complete purse for the occasion is greater than $850,000, together with a $300,000 first-place prize.

This would be the third time the occasion is in Knoxville, which hosted in 2019 and 2023.

“Knoxville shines during major events like the Bassmaster Classic,” Visit Knoxville President Kim Bumpas mentioned in a information launch. “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.”

Keep your eyes peeled at knoxnews.com for images and updates all through the weekend, and go to bassmaster.com/tournament/2026-bassmaster-classic for extra details about the occasion.

Ryan Wilusz is the enterprise development and improvement editor for Knox News. Email: [email protected]; Cell: 865-317-5138; Instagram: @knoxscruff

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