Local Host
The Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota is headed back to the Tennessee River! The prestigious championship bass tournament — widely known as the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing” — will be held March 24-26 in downtown Knoxville and on the University of Tennessee Campus. The Visit Knoxville Sports Commission will once again serve as host just as they did in 2019. The 2019 Classic holds the record as the highest-attended Classic in history.
Here’s more information on how you can attend the biggest event in bass fishing. Check back as this page will be updated with details as they are finalized.
All of the events are free to the public!
Kickoff Party
Be there as we kick off the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic’s return to the Tennessee River!
Thursday, March 23
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Knoxville Convention Center’s outdoor Plaza Terrace
This FREE and family-friendly event is open to the public and will celebrate the start of the most exciting event in bass fishing!
- Enjoy live music from Smooth Sailor
- Local food trucks
- Beer garden
- Kid-friendly activities
- Exciting vendors and more!
- Fireworks presented by TNT Fireworks!
When the lights go down in Knoxville, we’re going to light it up with Minn Kota and Humminbird. See what we mean Thursday at our Kickoff Party – click for more details here.
Location: The Kickoff Party will take place at the Knoxville Convention Center’s Plaza Terrace, which is the outdoor terrace located next to the Knoxville Convention Center’s entrance, between Clinch Ave. and Cumberland Ave. The event will be fully outdoors.
Takeoffs
Daily takeoffs begin at 7:30 am EDT from Volunteer Landing in downtown Knoxville Fri., Sat. and Sun.
Weigh-ins
Weigh-ins will begin at 3:30 pm EDT Fri., Sat. and Sun. in Thompson-Boling Arena on the University of Tennessee campus — a 20,000-seat facility that is fifth largest in the country.
Outdoors Expo presented by U.S. Army
The fan-favorite Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by U.S. Army will be held in the Knoxville Convention Center and the adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall where exhibitors will be on-site selling a variety of merchandise for fishing, hunting, camping, and more – an outdoor enthusiast’s dream!
Check out “The Toyota Ride & Drive” to see which Toyota is perfect for you!
Take the kids to the Go Out Experience presented by the U.S. Army
- Friday through Sunday at the Outdoors Expo
- Win prizes and get giveaways
- Watch the Jumping Dogs
- Catch a fish in the Catfish Pond
- Check out the fun exhibitors including:
o Casting Inflatable + Giveaway rods
o TWRA Archery
o TWRA Wildlife on Wheels trailer
o The Air Force
o The Army
o American Eagle Foundation
Military and First Responder Appreciation Days
Friday is Military Appreciation Day and Saturday is First Responder Appreciation Day!
Show your military/first responder ID to a staff member in the Bassmaster booth and get a free Bassmaster hat! Limited to the first 100 people each day.
B.A.S.S. Life and Nation members!
Register for your personalized credential here.
Dates
Friday, March 24, 2023 – Media/B.A.S.S. Life & Nation Members
Members Preview
11 a.m. – Noon
General Public
Noon – 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 25, 2023 – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 26, 2023 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Classic social media: for exclusive #BassmasterClassic content, make sure you’re following Bassmaster on: Instagram @bass_nation | Twitter: @Bassmaster | Facebook @bass | @Bassmaster. And, use the official Bassmaster Classic Hashtag, #BassmasterClassic, whether you’re in Knoxville or watching from home.
Click here to help plan your Bassmaster Classic trip to Knoxville!
Also, check out the Visit Knoxville “Know Before You Go” page!
Local partners
