LEESBURG, Fla. - Jan. 9, 2003 - BUSCH beer kicks off its multi-year sponsorship agreement this week at the Bassmaster tour event at Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Fla., with an appearance by champion angler Denny Brauer.
As part of the kick-off, Denny Brauer will hold an autograph signing at the BUSCH Bassmaster Mobile Exhibit on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Making its first stop in Leesburg, this exciting and interactive outdoor exhibit provides entertainment, tips for responsible drinking and tournament information for B.A.S.S. fans. In addition, fans can have a souvenir photo taken with an oversized bass on a backdrop and see a fishing video for post-tournament entertainment. The exhibit, which is free of charge and open for consumers ages 21 and older, will appear at 10 other bass fishing events throughout the country to support the Bassmaster Tour.
As announced at the 2002 Bassmasters Classic, this sponsorship makes BUSCH the "Official Beer of B.A.S.S." In addition, BUSCH is the presenting sponsor of the 2003 Bassmasters Classic, the Bassmaster Tournament Trail, the 2003 B.A.S.S. Federation Championship and a weekly TV fishing show on ESPN2.
"We look forward to an exciting year on the Bassmaster Tournament Trail," said Danny Scott, director of tactical brands, Anheuser-BUSCH, Inc. "Partnering with B.A.S.S. provides the BUSCH brand the opportunity to elevate our long history of supporting conservation and the outdoors. In addition, we're able to reach many of our core consumers, who will have the opportunity to enjoy our new BUSCH Bassmaster Mobile Exhibit this year."
Dean Kessel, B.A.S.S. vice president and general manager said, "Partnerships with great brands like BUSCH Beer make it possible for B.A.S.S. to continue to encourage conservation of the outdoors while supporting the sport of fishing. We're looking forward to working closely with the brand in the years to come."
As part of its sponsorship, BUSCH beer has introduced the BUSCH B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year program this year. This program is designed to award bonus money to the top 10 anglers in the points standings at the end of each season. This year, BUSCH beer has increased the total payout from $20,000 to $200,000 with $100,000 going to the BUSCH B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year. The rest of the payout breaks down as follows:
| 2nd $20,000 | 7th $8,000 |
| 3rd $15,000 | 8th $7,000 |
| 4th $11,000 | 9th $6,000 |
| 5th $10,000 | 10th $5,000 |
| 6th $9,000 |