DICK’S Sporting Goods today announced an expanded partnership with B.A.S.S., as the retailer became the presenting sponsor of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic through 2019. This year’s Classic is to be held on Lake Conroe, outside of Houston, Texas, March 24-26. DICK’S has sponsored the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo for nine consecutive years, and will continue to do so for the 2017-2019 championships.
“DICK’S has been a vital part of the Bassmaster Classic for almost a decade now, so it is exciting to see the relationship grow at what we believe will be a historic championship,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “With its name associated with the highest-profile fishing event in the world, DICK’S will be reaching the most avid of bass fishermen. And Bassmaster fans can be assured that DICK’S is dedicated to supplying all the gear needed to create a successful day on the water.”
The 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods is the 47th annual championship of professional bass fishing. The three-day competition will pit 52 of the world’s best anglers against each other for the Classic’s overall payout of more than $1 million. The playing field will be Lake Conroe, located an hour north of Houston.
“We’re excited to expand our partnership with B.A.S.S. in a way that will allow us to connect with a passionate fishing audience,” said Dave Natale, director of sports and event marketing, DICK’S Sporting Goods. “At DICK’S, we believe in creating meaningful relationships with our customers. Events like the Bassmaster Classic allow us to do that year after year.”
The anglers will bring their catches to Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros, for the weigh-in. This exciting venue is expected to house record-breaking crowds to watch what many believe will be record-breaking weights across the stage. All Classic activities are free and open to the public.
“We couldn’t be more impressed with the commitment DICK’S has made to bass anglers. This retailer has proved it cares about the future of our sport through its support of our High School programs, as well as our marquee events. This company’s passion mirrors that of our fans, and I think the entire sport will benefit from this commitment,” Akin said.
About DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc.
Founded in 1948, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. is a leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer offering an extensive assortment of authentic, high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. As of October 29, 2016, the Company operated more than 675 DICK’S Sporting Goods locations, serving and inspiring athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve their personal best through a blend of dedicated associates, in-store services and unique specialty shop-in-shops.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, DICK’S also owns and operates Golf Galaxy, Field & Stream, True Runner and Chelsea Collective specialty stores and DICK’S Team Sports HQ, an all-in-one youth sports digital platform with free league management services, including websites and online registration with free mobile app for scheduling and communications; custom uniforms and FanWear shops; and access to donations and sponsorships.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines, Bassmasterwebsite, television show (The Bassmasters), social media programs and events. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
By: JamieDay Matthews
