May 19, 2015
Zippo Becomes Title Sponsor Of BASSfest
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The inaugural BASSfest held last year was a hit with anglers and fans, and the unique competition returns next month with a new title sponsor.
The Zippo BASSfest at Kentucky Lake presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps will be June 3-7 in Paris, Tenn. The B.A.S.S. partnership allows Zippo to align its outdoor brands with the popular Bassmaster Elite Series event as a title sponsor.
“Zippo is extremely proud to sponsor BASSfest on beautiful Kentucky Lake,” said Chris Funk, Zippo marketing product manager – outdoor. “BASSfest’s combination of fishing, family and festival is the perfect opportunity to bring Zippo’s line of outdoor products to people who love being outdoors. “
He added, “Renowned for our lighters, Zippo is taking our 83-year legacy of the flame to the great outdoors. Be sure to check out our new Zippo All-Terrain Grill and sample some delicious food.”
Last season’s BASSfest at Chickamauga Lake was a first for the Bassmaster Elite Series. The five-day tournament evolved as an extended opportunity for fans to gather during a weeklong, summertime event. The combination of competition and festival proved a big hit.
“BASSfest is quickly becoming one of the most popular and exciting events of the year in Bassmaster competition, and we are pleased that Zippo has decided to take advantage of that fact by becoming its title sponsor,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “This decision also reinforces the fact that bass fishing fans are avid outdoors people who enjoy camping and cooking outdoors, in addition to fishing.”
This year’s BASSfest follows up with an enhanced fan experience and higher stakes for the pro anglers.
Invited to compete are the Top 10 points leaders from each of the three divisions in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Allstate. Also under the new format, Bassmaster Elite Series anglers will earn Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year points based on their finishes in the tournament.
Two popular aspects of the original format remain. On Friday, fans have the opportunity to interact with the pros during Bassmaster University, special seminars on a variety of fishing topics. Also on Friday, the Second Chance Tournament returns at nearby Lake Barkley. Each angler below 50th place on Thursday has the chance to advance to the finals on Saturday and Sunday and earn at least $10,000, if they finish in the Top 10 of the second chance round.
Find out more about BASSfest at Bassmaster.com.
