SHREVEPORT, LA--SMG's success story with the Bassmaster Classic reached new levels recently when the event shattered attendance records in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA.
Bass fishing's biggest event soared to a new all-time high in February when the Outdoors Expo was staged in the Shreveport Convention Center and the weigh-ins were held at the neighboring Bossier City's CenturyTel Center, both SMG-managed facilities.
The 2009 total attendance was 137,700 patrons besting the previous record of 82,600 established at the 2003 Classic in New Orleans, LA, based in the Louisiana Superdome and New Orleans Arena, also both managed by SMG.
The 2008 Bassmaster Classic was held in SMG's Carolina First Center in? Greenville, SC, and the event will return to New Orleans Feb. 18-20, 2011. With a turnstile tally of 67,500 on Saturday, Feb. 21, the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick's Sporting Goods in the Shreveport Convention Center topped the Expo's previous existing total attendance record of 52,621.
Sunday, the Expo pulled in the crowds again for the Expo, which closed early so fans could get to the final weigh-in of the Classic at the Century-Tel Center.
Cedric B. Glover, Mayor of Shreveport stated; "This is by far the largest sporting event ever held in the area." "It will also undoubtedly levy the largest economic impact ever realized in this region from a single event."
The Expo featured the latest in fishing tackle, new boat models and engines, outdoor gear of every description, scores of interactive activities, and appearances by top professional anglers.
Sam Voisin, General Manager of the Shreveport Convention Center stated: "ESPN as well as Expo attendees and exhibitors were blown away by the customer service and teamwork shown by our SMG facilities as well as Shreveport Regional Sports Authority, Shreveport-Bossier CTB and local organizing committees."
At Bossier City's CenturyTel Center, the Classic's weigh-ins on Feb. 21 and? 22 drew a capacity crowd of 9,300 each day. Attendance at the Friday weigh-in was 6,000. Bossier City Mayor Lorenz Walker commented, "The Bassmaster Classic was a huge success for the cities of Bossier and Shreveport.  It exceeded all of the expectations of ESPN/BASS and the local organizing committee, and? accomplished its goal of showcasing Northwest Louisiana."
The fans jammed the arena to watch the Classic contenders bring their bags of Red River bass to the scales in their bid to claim the coveted winner's trophy and $500,000 first-place prize.
"The Classic was an exciting event for the area. By having the event in two SMG facilities, it allowed for the open communication and the sharing of resources, which provided ESPN/BASS with an outstanding event experience," said Mike Cera, General Manager of the CenturyTel Center.   
And, despite frigid early morning temperatures, the 7:15 a.m. daily launch festivities at Red River South Marina in Bossier City also pulled in the people. Attendance was pegged at 1,500 on Friday, 2,000 on Saturday, and 2,000 on Sunday.