Backstage with Brent Chapman

Brent Chapman has competed in 13 Bassmaster Classics, but he's never been backstage as a non-competitor.

Brent Chapman's wife, Bobbi, hooks up a microphone to Chapman for his backstage tour of the arena at the 2015 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.
Brent Chapman’s wife, Bobbi, hooks up a microphone to Chapman for his backstage tour of the arena at the 2015 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.
Chapman has competed in 13 Classics, but each time, he's been chauffeured around, the way all the anglers are. He's never gotten an up-close view of the backstage.
Chapman has competed in 13 Classics, but each time, he’s been chauffeured around, the way all the anglers are. He’s never gotten an up-close view of the backstage.
Chapman films videos for his fans on his Facebook page, where he's posting multiple backstage videos, photos and tidbits.
Chapman films videos for his fans on his Facebook page, where he’s posting multiple backstage videos, photos and tidbits.
Here, Chapman shows off the Bassmaster.com room, where -- beginning tomorrow -- all the photographers, writers and producers for the website will gather to get information posted quickly for the fans.
Here, Chapman shows off the Bassmaster.com room, where — beginning tomorrow — all the photographers, writers and producers for the website will gather to get information posted quickly for the fans.
An enormous locker room shower is behind the Bassmaster.com room. (The bosses point out that Bassmaster.com producers, photographers and writers will not get to shower in here. That's what hotel rooms are for.)
An enormous locker room shower is behind the Bassmaster.com room. (The bosses point out that Bassmaster.com producers, photographers and writers will not get to shower in here. That’s what hotel rooms are for.)
The Bassmaster.com room is one of multiple locker rooms in the underbelly of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. (Hence, the showers.)
The Bassmaster.com room is one of multiple locker rooms in the underbelly of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. (Hence, the showers.)
Chapman finds a football in the Green Room, the area where talent (like Mark Zona and Dave Mercer) will decompress before heading out on stage.
Chapman finds a football in the Green Room, the area where talent (like Mark Zona and Dave Mercer) will decompress before heading out on stage.
The Dancin' Dogs (yes, that's a thing this year) already have their kennel cages out in the doggy dressing room. Chapman considered getting in it, but it would have been a little tight.
The Dancin’ Dogs (yes, that’s a thing this year) already have their kennel cages out in the doggy dressing room. Chapman considered getting in it, but it would have been a little tight.
See? Dancin' Dogs. We did not make that up.
See? Dancin’ Dogs. We did not make that up.
Chapman steps out onto the floor of the arena, where a truck and boat are part of a technical run-through to test before the show begins.
Chapman steps out onto the floor of the arena, where a truck and boat are part of a technical run-through to test before the show begins.
Chapman stands at the podium in the media room, where the leaders from each day (and ultimately the winner of the Classic) will stand to take questions from reporters.
Chapman stands at the podium in the media room, where the leaders from each day (and ultimately the winner of the Classic) will stand to take questions from reporters.
Chapman also gives a video tour of the media work room ...
Chapman also gives a video tour of the media work room …
... where photographers and writers collect and upload their stories and photos.
… where photographers and writers collect and upload their stories and photos.
Members of the media -- and the competitors, as well -- get snacks here for during interviews. But for now, Chapman could find only one pack of trail mix.
Members of the media — and the competitors, as well — get snacks here for during interviews. But for now, Chapman could find only one pack of trail mix.
These skates are what people would normally use to access the floor of this arena ...
These skates are what people would normally use to access the floor of this arena …
... because it's often filled with frozen water (ice, to the layperson) for recreational skating and hockey.
… because it’s often filled with frozen water (ice, to the layperson) for recreational skating and hockey.
Chapman got to hold the mount for one of the enormous cameras that will capture all the sights and sounds in the arena this weekend.
Chapman got to hold the mount for one of the enormous cameras that will capture all the sights and sounds in the arena this weekend.
Chapman stepped up on stage while the technical guys were testing the background effects.
Chapman stepped up on stage while the technical guys were testing the background effects.
“I like it up here,” said Chapman. “Can’t wait to be back as a competitor.”