2026 Bassmaster Classic

The 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour is headed back to the Tennessee River March 12-15!

The prestigious championship bass tournament — widely known as the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing” — returns to downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee Campus. All activities and venues are free and open to the public! For more information, visit the official website of the Bassmaster Classic.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

Takeoffs

Come watch as the competitors take off on the Tennessee River, experience a bass boat demo ride, and check out sponsor displays.

Time(s): 7:45 AM
Location: Volunteer Landing (300 Neyland Drive)

Progressive 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.

Time(s): 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Plaza Terrace, outdoors at the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley St)

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! Click HERE for additional Expo details!

Time(s): General Public: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Media/B.A.S.S. Life & Nation Member Preview: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Location: Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley St) and the adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall (935 Worlds Fair Park Dr)

Weigh-ins presented by Yokohama

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! PLEASE NOTE: The Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center has a strict bag policy. Please review what bags and items are permitted in the arena!

Time(s): Doors 3:15 PM | First fish: 4:15 – 4:30 PM (B.A.S.S. Life & Nation members allowed at 3:00 PM)
Location: Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center (1600 Phillip Fulmer Way)

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

Takeoffs

Come watch as the competitors take off on the Tennessee River, experience a bass boat demo ride, and check out sponsor displays.

Time(s): 7:45 AM
Location: Volunteer Landing (300 Neyland Drive)

Progressive 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.

Time(s): 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Plaza Terrace, outdoors at the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley St)

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! Click HERE for additional Expo details!

Time(s): General Public: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM 
Location: Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley St) and the adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall (935 Worlds Fair Park Dr)

Weigh-ins presented by Yokohama

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! PLEASE NOTE: The Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center has a strict bag policy. Please review what bags and items are permitted in the arena!

Time(s): Doors 3:15 PM | First fish: 4:15 – 4:30 PM (B.A.S.S. Life & Nation members allowed at 3:00 PM)
Location: Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center (1600 Phillip Fulmer Way) 

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

Takeoffs

Come watch as the competitors take off on the Tennessee River, experience a bass boat demo ride, and check out sponsor displays.

Time(s): 7:45 AM
Location: Volunteer Landing (300 Neyland Drive)

Progressive 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.

Time(s): 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Plaza Terrace, outdoors at the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley St)

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! Click HERE for additional Expo details!

Time(s): 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley St) and the adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall (935 Worlds Fair Park Dr)

Weigh-ins presented by Yokohama

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! PLEASE NOTE: The Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center has a strict bag policy. Please review what bags and items are permitted in the arena!

Time(s): Doors 3:15 PM | First fish: 4:15 – 4:30 PM (B.A.S.S. Life & Nation members allowed at 3:00 PM)
Location: Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center (1600 Phillip Fulmer Way) 

VENUE INFORMATION

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Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
  • Clear Bag Policy: There is a CLEAR BAG POLICY. PLEASE NOTE: Buckets received at the Expo are not allowed in the Arena. One clear bag (12x6x12) or one-gallon resealable bag per person. Small clutch purses allowed (4.5x6.5).
  • Safety & Security: Weapons prohibited. Pocket knives WILL be confiscated and discarded.
  • Food & Beverages: Outside food/drink not permitted.
  • Additional Policies: Read all policies HERE
Knoxville Convention Center & the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall
  • Bag Policy: Backpacks, coolers of any size, oversized bags, duffel bags, luggage, or other bags should be no larger than 16”-by-16”- by-8” inches.
  • Payment: CARD ONLY - cash is not accepted.
  • Prohibited Items: Outside food or beverage, coolers (except for medical use), animals (except for service animals), weapons of any kind (including pocket knives) 
  • Additional Policies: Read all venue policies HERE
Volunteer Landing
  • Venue Policies: No alcoholic beverages, no firearms or other weapons, no motorized vehicles. All animals must be maintained on a leash.
Covenant Health Park
  • Clear Bag Policy: Stadium security regulations limit fans to clear bags not to exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches, and/or a small clutch purse not to exceed 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches. All belongings are subject to search upon entry, including medically necessary items and diaper bags. Medical and diaper bags are permitted after proper search upon entry. No items can be left at the gates.
  • Additional Policies: View all venue policies HERE.

PARKING & SHUTTLE INFORMATION

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Click the Map to Download or Print

Bassmaster Parking

Shuttle Information

FREE shuttles will be available Friday - Sunday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, running on a continuous loop between the Weigh-Ins and the Expo.

Pick Up & Drop Off Locations

  • Weigh-Ins: Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, University of Tennessee
    Located in front of Arena Dining on Phillip Fulmer Way
  • Expo: Knoxville Convention Center / World’s Fair Exhibition Hall
    Located between the two venues at the base of the Sunsphere
Parking Information
University of Tennessee/Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center Parking
  • G-10 Parking Garage (Recommended): Opens at 7:00 AM Friday, Saturday, & Sunday ($20/vehicle, card only, no in/out)
  • 11th Street Garage Parking: Opens at 4:00 PM on Friday, 7:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday (FREE)
  • Other UT Event Parking Lots (highlighted in blue on map): Open at 4:00 PM on Friday, 7:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday ($20/vehicle, card only, no in/out)
Downtown Knoxville Parking

Downtown Public City Garages

  • Locust Street Garage
  • Langley Garage
  • Market Square Garage 
  • State Street Garage
  • Main Street Garage
  • Dwight Kessel Garage
  • Summer Place Garage

Pricing: Week days: $1 per hour; $7 max per day (free after 6:00 PM). Saturday/Sunday: FREE (Exception: Market Square Garage has a $3 flat fee on Saturdays).

View additional downtown parking information here.

Downtown Street Parking

Downtown Knoxville street parking is now digital! Skip the meter and pay for parking right from your phone with ParkMobile, the easiest way to park in downtown Knoxville! Simply enter the zone number found on signs and stickers near your spot, choose your duration, and you're all set. Download the ParkMobile app in advance to explore options, or scan the QR code on parking signs when you arrive.

Pricing: Varies by zone (enforced 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM)

  • Other

Private paid lots are also available throughout downtown. Please check each lot’s signage upon arrival for current terms and pricing.

VISITOR INFORMATION

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Experience Knoxville like a local!
Click on the button below to explore local attractions, restaurants, and more! 
Don’t miss Knoxville’s iconic Sunsphere, located next to the Knoxville Convention Center, open during Bassmaster Classic Expo hours!
Head to the 3rd Floor Welcome Center (Convention Center level) to grab tickets to the Observation Deck—266 feet above downtown—for stunning 360° views all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Mention “Bassmaster” at the front desk and get $1 off admission.

DOWNLOAD THE BASSMASTER CLASSIC APP

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Fans attending the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour in Knoxville — or following along from home — can now stay connected with the official Bassmaster Classic app.

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

Bassmaster App Screenshot

Bassmaster App Screenshot

Bassmaster App Screenshot

VOLUNTEER FOR BASSMASTER

Knoxville holds the 1st and 3rd attendance records for the Bassmaster Classic! Help us beat our own record—volunteer to track attendance for the 2026 tournament.

Read More