SHREVEPORT, La. (Aug. 11, 2012) – FLW and the Shreveport/Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau announced Saturday Shreveport would once again be hosting the Forrest Wood Cup bass fishing championship, Aug. 15-18, 2013, on the Red River. The last time the Forrest Wood Cup was held in Shreveport was 2000 and Dion Hibdon of Sunrise Beach, Mo., made professional fishing history by becoming the second man to win both major championships in the sport of bass fishing.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be bringing the 2013 Forrest Wood Cup to the Red River,” said Kathy Fennel, FLW President of Operations. “We’ve had massive success hosting tournaments in Shreveport in the past and the attendance at our previous events has made bringing our championship back an obvious choice. The bass fishing fans in Louisiana have always been extremely passionate and enthusiastic, and we’re proud to be bringing our championship event to them.”
Shreveport is a very familiar destination for FLW staff and anglers. The 2000 Forrest Wood Cup and numerous Walmart FLW Tour events have been held on the Red River in Shreveport and the area’s fans have always packed the venues.
“We love having FLW come to the Shreveport-Bossier area and were thrilled to secure the world championship of bass fishing,” said Kelly Wells, vice president of sports and tourism marketing for the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. “The Sports Commission is excited to bring another high quality event that the entire community can enjoy and rally behind.”
In addition to the tournament and international media coverage it will receive, the FLW Expo, which will feature hundreds of exhibits and activities, will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center and the live weigh-ins will be held at CenturyLink Center. Visitors from around the globe will not only catch the bass-fishing action, they’ll also receive fantastic deals on everything from baits to boats at the outdoor show.