2009 Bassmaster Classic: Day One, Behind the Scenes

In this photo gallery, you'll find behind-the-scenes images from Day One of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic on the Red River, near Shreveport, Louisiana.

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At the first day weigh-in of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, BASS life members and fans gathered at the entrance in an orderly manner.
At the first day weigh-in of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, BASS life members and fans gathered at the entrance in an orderly manner.
The crowd, which spilled out into the parking lot, were an enthusiastic lot.
The crowd, which spilled out into the parking lot, were an enthusiastic lot.
The crowds at the west entrances were almost unbelievable.
The crowds at the west entrances were almost unbelievable.
The largest of the crowds, in front of the southwest entrance to the CenturyTel Center was overflowing into the parking section. The fans were allowed inside at 3:30 p.m.
The largest of the crowds, in front of the southwest entrance to the CenturyTel Center was overflowing into the parking section. The fans were allowed inside at 3:30 p.m.
The CenturyTel Center was buzzing with excitement as the time for the weigh-in got closer.
The CenturyTel Center was buzzing with excitement as the time for the weigh-in got closer.
These turn styles will soon see thousands of people pass through to gain access to the building.
These turn styles will soon see thousands of people pass through to gain access to the building.
As the crowds waited outside, there was a sound check going on inside.
As the crowds waited outside, there was a sound check going on inside.
The sound crew was assembled on a raised platform behind the floor seats.
The sound crew was assembled on a raised platform behind the floor seats.
The color guard waits backstage for the start of the Day One weigh-in of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic.
The color guard waits backstage for the start of the Day One weigh-in of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic.
Kevin Van Dam was one of the first anglers to weigh in. By his standards, he had a very bad day on the water, but is far from being out of reach of the win.
Kevin Van Dam was one of the first anglers to weigh in. By his standards, he had a very bad day on the water, but is far from being out of reach of the win.
The Toyota Tundra film crew mount a portable camera on the bow of KVD's boat to record him as he is driven into the building.
The Toyota Tundra film crew mount a portable camera on the bow of KVD’s boat to record him as he is driven into the building.
Steve Price interviews Gary Klein as he waits outside the CenturyTel Center to be weighed in.
Steve Price interviews Gary Klein as he waits outside the CenturyTel Center to be weighed in.
Mark Davis signs an autograph for a young fan outside the CenturyTel Center.
Mark Davis signs an autograph for a young fan outside the CenturyTel Center.
Ever wonder where the bass go after they are weighed? They are placed into a bin and lowered beneath the stage to these men who watch the weigh-in on a TV off camera to know when to expect fish.
Ever wonder where the bass go after they are weighed? They are placed into a bin and lowered beneath the stage to these men who watch the weigh-in on a TV off camera to know when to expect fish.
The fish are then carried out of a tunnel underneath the stage, being handed off to strategically placed personnel that help move the fish fast.
The fish are then carried out of a tunnel underneath the stage, being handed off to strategically placed personnel that help move the fish fast.
The fish are passed along until, ultimately, they end up at an oxygenated tank that sits just behind the stage. The bass become the responsibility of the Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries and are returned to the Red River.
The fish are passed along until, ultimately, they end up at an oxygenated tank that sits just behind the stage. The bass become the responsibility of the Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries and are returned to the Red River.
This is one of the audio and video panels where the video is fed by satellite to the mobile production office.
This is one of the audio and video panels where the video is fed by satellite to the mobile production office.
Kenyon Hill is displayed on the monster screen on the wall in the southeast corner of the building. The photographers on the scaffolding in the foreground are from all over the United States.
Kenyon Hill is displayed on the monster screen on the wall in the southeast corner of the building. The photographers on the scaffolding in the foreground are from all over the United States.
The Bassmaster stage gets better each year. This year did not disappoint. There were two Toyota Tundras suspended over the tunnel leading from the outside to the stage.
The Bassmaster stage gets better each year. This year did not disappoint. There were two Toyota Tundras suspended over the tunnel leading from the outside to the stage.
Fans packed the inside of the CenturyTel building, and it was only the first day of the event.
Fans packed the inside of the CenturyTel building, and it was only the first day of the event.
The estimates for the Day One crowd were near 8,000.
The estimates for the Day One crowd were near 8,000.
The life members and family were seated near the stage.
The life members and family were seated near the stage.
Shaw Grigsby shows out a bit for the media as he is one of the last anglers to weigh in.
Shaw Grigsby shows out a bit for the media as he is one of the last anglers to weigh in.