NEW ORLEANS, La. - August 3, 2001 - Professional bass fishing's most prestigious event, the BASS Masters Classic will be returning to Birmingham, Ala. during the summer of 2002.
Gov. Don Siegelman joined with B.A.S.S. officials today to make the announcement in New Orleans where festivities for the 31st BASS Masters Classic are underway. Competition is scheduled for the dates of July 25-27.
"As governor, I am proud that Alabama has again been chosen to host the BASS Masters Classic," said Gov. Siegelman. "Alabama is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, and the Classic is a wonderful opportunity to showcase these resources. It is also evidence of the current and future ability of the Alabama Bass Trail to attract tournaments to Alabama. This is exactly what we set out to accomplish when the Alabama Bass Trail was created just 10 months ago. Alabama looks forward to hosting this prestigious event in 2002."
In addition to the many festivities fans have come to expect, the 2002 event will also include the inaugural BASS Masters Classic Shootout. The Classic Shootout will take place during the week prior to the Classic, with the final 11 qualifying spots for the main event on the line.
"The state of Alabama is proud that we will once again be hosting the 'Super Bowl' of bass fishing, the BASS Masters Classic in 2002," said Riley Boykin Smith, Commissioner, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. "This is a monumental event, and I can't think of a greater honor or a better way to showcase to the world our fantastic fishing resources and our newly created Bass Trail. This is sure to be a Classic to remember."
The return to Birmingham will be the first for the Classic since 1997's event saw Dion Hibdon take the title of world champion.
"I have fond memories of our past Classics in Birmingham," said B.A.S.S. General Manager Helen Sevier. "I'm sure that our return next summer will be just as memorable, and we look forward to working with the state of Alabama and the city of Birmingham to have another spectacular event."
The 32nd BASS Masters Classic will mark the fourth time the event has been held in Birmingham.
"As an Alabama angler I'm extremely excited about the Classic being in Birmingham," said Tim Horton, 2000 B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year and 2001 Classic qualifier. "It will definitely make attempting to qualify for next year's event that much more exciting because of the opportunity to fish the event in my home state. With the addition of the Classic Shootout, I think this will be one of the most exciting BASS Masters Classics ever."