What a great start to the Bassmaster Classic experience! We got to Knoxville on Wednesday so we could get a good night’s sleep and be fresh to start Media Day. A relaxing evening before the fun, but hectic weekend got underway. And then the bottom fell out while at dinner. It was pouring rain sideways! The wind really picked up. And the temperature dipped a little. No problem, we knew it would be gone by the morning. Or so we thought.
Thursday morning started off cold, wet, and windy, but thankfully, the rain did basically stop by around 8 am. But the wind and cold hung on. After getting ready, we made our way East on 40, back to Sevierville, Tennessee and Bass Pro Shops for the official start of the Classic Media Day. What a feeling pulling into the parking lot and watching the pros position their boats and trucks into the reserved spaces. It was cold, and the wind was making it miserable, but hopes were high.
The first thing we did was go into Bass Pro to pick up our Classic Credentials so we could attend everything this weekend. After talking to friends, we then went back outside to the boats for interviews. The anglers were in cold-weather gear, attempting to stay warm themselves. Some were hoping for some quick warming as they shivered, others just acted like it was nothing.
For those who have never attended a media day, it is the time to get answers to questions that fans want to hear. It is the chance to hear the speakers talk about what an honor it is to be here in Knoxville. And then out to the cold parking lot again. I interviewed 18 anglers and asked each the same basic question. And the answers were so varied. I’ll have to post them for everyone to see. And then back inside to attend the opening and lunch.
This year, Bassmaster decided to host a Fan Fest, which would give you the fan the opportunity to meet the anglers. The sun decided to come out finally and it made the day so much better for both anglers and fans. As the anglers made their way out of Bass Pro, fans were there, waiting to stop them before they could make it to their boat. While it is a madhouse, it is so much fun. Kids and adults found the anglers whom they wanted to see, talked about fishing together, and then got autographs and pictures together. It is all about making a kid’s day and making memories.
To end the first day of the Classic, there is the official Bassmaster Classic Kickoff Party at Convenant Health Park for all the fans. Among the activities is a concert by The Voice contenders, DEK of Hearts. There is always so many ways to find something exciting to do at the Classic, you just need to go and experience it yourself.,