The 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods smashed previous attendance records at the weekend. According to law enforcement figures, those from host facilities and other independent sources, a total attendance of 143,323 was recorded from Fan Appreciation Day (Thursday) and throughout the three-day event. The previous record was 137,700 and set back in 2009 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Last year’s Classic drew 115,000.
“The record-breaking attendance would not have been possible without the loyalty of our fans and the partnerships between B.A.S.S. and our sponsors, exhibitors, the media and host communities,” said B.A.S.S. CEO, Bruce Akin. “We are thankful for the hard work of the entire B.A.S.S. family and our great volunteers in Greenville and Anderson who made this Classic such a great success and we are also grateful to the devoted B.A.S.S. members and fans who came in record numbers.”
Eric Lopez, Director of Event Operations for B.A.S.S. added: ” We are very appreciative of all the fans who came to Greenville and Anderson to help us celebrate 50 years of our organisation. It wasn’t long ago that we were hoping to reach the 100,000 milestone for the Classic – and now we are consistently surpassing that mark.”
The previous Classic on Lake Hartwell in 2015 drew an attendance of 103,091.
This year, in addition to 1,400 taking part in the Fan Appreciation Day, officials recorded attendance figures of 33,207 on Friday, 58,620 on Saturday and 50,096 on Sunday.