The 2020 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic, which was held for the 13th time in Alabama, shattered previous attendance records, B.A.S.S. officials announced Friday.
According to a press release, “The total Classic Week attendance of 122,814 was recorded at a variety of activities across Alabama, including the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo in Birmingham, daily takeoffs on Lake Guntersville and the inaugural Huk Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX presented by Abu Garcia on Logan Martin Lake in Pell City.”
This attendance number is 35% higher than the previous state record set in 2014. It is also the fourth-highest attended Bassmaster Classic in the event’s 50-year history.
“This record-breaking attendance would not have been possible without the loyalty of our incredible Bassmaster fans and the partnerships between B.A.S.S. and our sponsors, exhibitors, the media and our host communities in Birmingham and Marshall County,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin.
“We’re thankful for the hard work of the entire B.A.S.S. family and our great volunteers who made this Classic such a success,” Akin added.
“We were thrilled with the support and crowd that turned out each morning at Civitan Park,” said Katy Norton, President of the Marshall County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We want to thank our out-of-town guests and invite them back to Lake Guntersville to fish and enjoy one of Alabama’s great natural attractions.”
A new event this year, the Bassmaster Classic Kickoff Party, which benefitted Children’s of Alabama, featured live music and fireworks and gave fans the opportunity to mingle with anglers.
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