Posted by TJ
on July 16, 2008, 10:55 am
206.222.171.33
2009 & 2010 Elite Series Schedules
BASS announced today its Bassmaster Elite Series tournament schedule for the next two seasons, 2009 and 2010. In 2009, the most prominent tournament trail in the world will make a stop for the first time in Michigan, home of three-time Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo. The 2010 schedule kicks off with a West Coast tour as the Elite pros again visit the California Delta and California's Clear Lake.
"This is the first time BASS has simultaneously released two years of Elite Series schedules. This reaffirms our commitment to the anglers, fans and sponsors," said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS. "We appreciate the support of our outstanding communities to deliver these top-notch schedules."
In February, BASS also announced the dates for the next three Bassmaster Classics: Feb. 20-22, 2009, on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.; Feb. 19-21, 2010, out of Birmingham, Ala.; and Feb. 18-20, 2011, out of New Orleans.
As with past years, each Elite-level event will receive one hour of television coverage on ESPN2's The Bassmasters, which airs Saturdays at 9 a.m. ET. ESPN2 will kick off the Bassmaster Elite Series season with 11 hours of programming through three days devoted to the 2009 Bassmaster Classic.
Additionally, Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com will provide fishing fans with real-time leaderboards, streaming footage from weigh-ins, photo galleries and analysis at all Elite events throughout each season, accompanied by award-winning coverage by Bassmaster Magazine and BASS Times.
Along with the schedule, BASS announced today that co-anglers will be removed from Elite Series competitions starting in 2009. Bass fishing fans will continue to have the opportunity to ride along with the pros. This move further elevates the status of the Elite Series events and professional fishing. The program details will be posted on Bassmaster.com at a later date.
Co-anglers will continue to compete in Bassmaster Opens — the ultimate proving ground on the way to the Elite Series — as well as other BASS events. Considering the success of the Open format, BASS also established today the addition of another Open division, the Bassmaster Northern Opens. Qualifying structures and the complete Open schedule will be released in the near future.
"BASS has always been about serving our anglers and fans by providing opportunities to compete in the highest levels of tournament bass fishing," Ricks said. "This is the logical evolution and enhancement of the Elite Series to extend brand-building opportunities for the sport."
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