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” — will be held in downtown Knoxville and on 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.

Thursday, March 12

Kickoff Party

Kick off the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour as it returns to the Tennessee River! This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and marks the start of the biggest event in bass fishing. Enjoy a live weigh-in, Pro-Am meet & greets, live music from The Voice Season 28 finalists DEK of Hearts, family-friendly vendors, and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase onsite. Additional details coming soon!

Parking & Transportation

Time(s):
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (5:15 PM: Pro-Am Weigh-In | 6:15 PM: Pro-Am Meet & Greet | 6:30 PM: DEK of Hearts)
Location:
Covenant Health Park (500 East Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915)

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. Click HERE for additional Expo details!
Time(s):
General Public: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Media/Member Preview: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Location:
Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley St) and World’s Fair Exhibition Hall (935 Worlds Fair Park Dr)
Weigh-ins presented by Yokohama Experience the exciting live weigh-ins with fun promotions and giveaways! PLEASE NOTE: The Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center has a strict bag policy. Review permitted items here.
Time(s):
Doors 3:15 PM | First fish 4:15 – 4:30 PM (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):
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location:
Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley St) and the adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall (935 World's Fair Park Drive)
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 open 3:15 PM. First fish 4:15 – 4:30 PM. (B.A.S.S. Life and Nation members allowed at 3 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 World's Fair Park Drive)
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 and, on Sunday, one angler will be crowned a champion! 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 open 3:15 PM. First fish 4:15 – 4:30 PM. (B.A.S.S. Life and Nation members allowed at 3 PM).
Location:
Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center (1600 Phillip Fulmer Way)

Venue Policies

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 Volunteer Landing
  • 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

Parking & Shuttle Information

Coming soon!

Did you know? Knoxville currently holds the record for the 1st and 3rd most-attended Bassmaster Classic tournaments. Volunteers are needed to record attendance for the 2026 tournament. Let's find out if we'll beat our own record!