Classic Experience
The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour is headed back to the Tennessee River! The prestigious championship bass tournament — widely known as the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing” — will be held March 12-15 in downtown Knoxville and on the University of Tennessee Campus.Here’s more information on how you can attend the biggest event in fishing in 2026.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, March 12
- Kickoff Party – Join us for our Kickoff Party and let the Classic celebration begin!
Covenant Health Park
500 East Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37915
Time: 5 – 8 PM
Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15
- Competition and Takeoffs
- Expo
- Live weigh-in shows
Military and First Responder Appreciation Day
Friday is Military Appreciation Day and Saturday is First Responder Appreciation Day! Show your military/first responder ID to a B.A.S.S. staff person in the Bassmaster booth and get a free Bassmaster hat! Limited to the first 100 people.
Daiwa Bassmaster Classic Kickoff Party at Covenant Park
The night before the tournament begins, B.A.S.S. launches Classic week in a big way with the annual Classic Kickoff Party, a family-friendly community event with food, kid’s activities and even a concert.- Kid’s Inflatables
- B.A.S.S. Life & Nation Credential Check-in
- Shop Official Bassmaster Merchandise
- Sponsor Activations
Media Day & Bass Pro Shops FAN FESTIVAL
The annual Classic Media Day, traditionally a private event for media, has opened its doors to allow fans a peek behind the curtain. Hosted at the Bass Pro Shops in Kodak, Tenn., the event will offer additional fun activities for fans, including food trucks and the chance to meet pros inside of the store, so be sure to check it out.
March 12th: 1:30 – 3:30 PM Bass Pro Shops – KodakTakeoffs
Takeoffs will take place on the Tennessee River. Come and watch as the competitors take off, take a bass boat demo ride, and check out sponsor displays.March 13th, 14th, & 15th @ 7:45 AM Volunteer Landing
Weigh-in presented by Yokohama Tire
Weigh-ins will take place in Food City Center on the University of Tennessee campus. Come and experience the exciting live weigh-ins with fun promotions and more giveaways from B.A.S.S. Sponsors! Then watch the best bass anglers in the world weigh in their Tennessee River catch and, on Sunday, one angler will be crowned a champion. Doors open to the arena for B.A.S.S. Life and Nation members at 3 p.m. ET & to the general public at 3:15 p.m. First fish will be weighed between 4:15 and 4:30 p.m.March 13th, 14th, and 15th @ 4:15 PM Food City Center
Outdoors Expo
The fan-favorite Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo will be held in the Knoxville Convention Center and the adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall.Exhibitors will be onsite selling a wide variety of merchandise for fishing, hunting, camping, and more — an outdoor enthusiast’s dream! Plus, come by for prizes, giveaways, and entertaining activities for the whole family!
Expo hours:
- Friday, March 13:
Media/B.A.S.S. Life & Nation Members Preview: 11 a.m. — Noon
General Public – Noon — 7 p.m. - Saturday, March 14: 10 a.m. — 6 p.m.
- Sunday, March 15: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Featured Exhibitors
Bassmaster Classic Tailgate
Just because college football season is over, doesn’t mean you can’t do some tailgating, and Knoxville is the perfect place for it. Bring the whole family to the Progressive Bassmaster Classic Tailgate presented by Maxam Tire.Fun outdoor tailgate party all three days of the event, which will feature activities and displays for the entire family.
Tailgate Schedule
- Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Sunday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.