MONTGOMERY, AL., March 21, 2001 - The BASS Masters Classic -- is set to return to New Orleans August 2-4.
"The state of Louisiana is excited to host the biggest event in professional bass fishing," said Lt. Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. "We are also very enthusiastic about another opportunity to showcase Louisiana's great outdoors and many tourist attractions."
"We are delighted to be returning to New Orleans," said B.A.S.S., Inc. CEO Helen Sevier. "New Orleans was the site of one of the best-attended Classics in the history of the event. With the history, culture and cuisine the city has to offer, our anglers and fans have a lot to look forward to."
In 1999, New Orleans fans were able to witness Davy Hite catapult to international fame with his 55-pound 10-ounce victory.
Weigh-ins for the first two days of the event will be held in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, in conjunction with the BASS Masters Classic Outdoor Show. The final day's weigh-in will be held in the world famous Louisiana Superdome.
"It will add a new dimension to both the Classic Outdoor Show and the weigh-in to have both events in the same facility," said Dave Ellison, Classic Special Events Director. "It will make the first two weigh-ins more exciting than ever. The final weigh-in will also be incredibly exciting as the new world champion is crowned in one of the nation's premier sporting arenas."
Vacationers from around the world are attracted to the award-winning weigh-in shows. Fans attending the Classic Outdoor Show at the Morial Center will be able to see the newest products available.
State Rep. John Alario, whose district includes Bayou Segnette State Park, was instrumental in bringing the BASS Masters Classic back to the Big Easy. "All 45 competitors launch from the park and can expect to return to some of the best fans in the world at the daily weigh-ins and outdoor show."
Great anticipation and nail-biting suspense will surround the final-day weigh-in as the championship crown, $100,000, and endorsements reaching up to $1 million will be up for grabs to the winning angler.
"The Louisiana Delta is an excellent fishery," remarked B.A.S.S. National Tournament Director Dewey Kendrick. "The Delta is a location we have been to many times in the past, and the fishing has always been very good. I think that we will see some extremely competitive action this year."
2000 BASS Masters Classic Champion Woo Daves agrees. "The Louisiana Delta offers great fishing everywhere," he said. "I am extremely excited about the opportunity to defend my world title in New Orleans."