While the 2008 Bassmaster Classic contenders are on Lake Hartwell, thousands of fishing fans are expected at the Carolina First Center in Greenville, S.C., for the three-day Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo (show hours are listed below).
The expo is considered one of the top consumer shows of the year, partly because of the spillover of the intense Classic energy, partly because exhibitors are known to debut their newest products but mostly because it's always fun.
New boats, thousands of fishing products and great deals on outdoor gear aren't the only attractions of the show. Exhibitors offer contests, interactive displays, appearances by top bass pros and many other one-of-a-kind events.
The Expo also will be the venue for the preliminary national finals of the Bassmaster CastingKids competition at 11 a.m. ET Feb. 23. Later that day, at 2:15 p.m., the kids will move to the Bi-Lo Center, where the finalists in two age groups will flip, pitch and cast to targets to win scholarship money. Additionally, at the Expo's Kid's Zone, children will find plenty of entertaining activity.
Expo activities also will celebrate BASS' 40th anniversary, and BASS members will receive special treatment at the show. The first 100 members to arrive at the Expo will receive a gift, and all members are eligible for a 5 percent discount on merchandise. Members of the BASS Federation Nation and Life Members are eligible for more benefits, including use of a lounge at the Carolina First Center.
The first 50 kids to the expo each day will receive a free gift, courtesy of Skeeter and Yamaha, and the first 100 adults will receive a free gift, courtesy of BASS. Other giveaways include a Walt Disney World vacation package, complete with a fishing trip with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Preston Clark.
No one attending the show will have to wonder what's happening on Lake Hartwell. The Webcast show Hooked Up will provide hourly updates with leaderboards through live feeds into the BASS booth at the Expo.
2008 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo
Carolina First Center
1 Exposition Ave., Greenville, S.C.
Noon-9 p.m., Feb. 22
10 a.m.-6 p.m., Feb. 23
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 24