KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – The Bassmaster Classic is set to take place on the Tennessee River this weekend, drawing professional anglers from across the country — and beyond.
Knoxville native Robert Gee is among the competitors. Gee qualified for Bassmaster right after graduating from the University of Tennessee and said his passion for fishing started early.
“My grandpa had me on the dock with some crickets and I caught my first bluegill and bass that day and I was hooked ever since,” Gee said.
“My dad felt like it was a way for us to bond as a youth, which it really was. And me and my dad are really close because we got to go fishing a lot when I was younger,” Monroe said.
Carl Jocumsen relocated to East Tennessee from Australia to pursue a career as a professional angler. He said the opportunity is unique to the United States.
All three anglers are encouraging families and friends to attend events at Volunteer Landing and Food City Center this weekend. Live weigh-ins and additional events are scheduled at both locations.
The first day of the event is Friday, March 13. The tournament begins at 7:45 a.m. at Volunteer Landing.
The 2026 Bassmaster Classic — known as the “Super Bowl of bass fishing” — is returning to Knoxville in March. The tournament is free to the public, and there are plenty of events planned.
Schedule
Thursday, March 12
Kickoff Party
Covenant Health Park in the Old City will play host to the 2026 Bassmaster Classic kickoff party. No specific time has been released, but the party promises a live weigh-in show, celebrity meet and greets, live music from The Voice finalists DEK of Hearts, vendors and more, including food and beverages.
Fireworks will finish off the night, starting at 7:50 p.m.
Celebrity Pro-Am Weigh-In and Meet and Greet (5:15 p.m.)
Celebrity anglers will weigh-in live on stage, then stick around for a meet and greet on the Third Base Porch. The weigh-in is slated for 5:15 p.m., and the meet and greet will start at 6:15 p.m.
You can find a full list of attendees here.
DEK of Hearts Performance (6:30 p.m.)
DEK of Hearts will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. The country-pop band earned a top spot on The Voice’s 28th season and has opened for Grammy winner Rhonda Vincent.
Fireworks Show (7:50 p.m.)
Friday, March 13
Takeoffs (7:45 a.m.)
Competitors will take off on the Tennessee River at Volunteer Landing.
Tailgate (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
This outdoor party for all ages will be located at the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley St.) on the Plaza Terrace. It’ll be open all three days of the event.
Expo (Noon – 7 p.m.)
Exhibitors will be at the Knoxville Convention Center and World’s Fair Exhibition Hall (935 Worlds Fair Park Dr.) selling merchandise for fishing, hunting and camping. The expo is open from noon to 7 p.m.
Weigh-Ins (4:15 p.m.)
The top bass anglers in the world will be weighing in their Tennessee River catches at Food City Center (1600 Phillip Fulmer Way). The doors will open at 3:15 p.m. and the event itself will kick off at 4:15 p.m.
Saturday, March 14
Takeoffs (7:45 a.m.)
Competitors will take off on the Tennessee River at Volunteer Landing.
Tailgate (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
This outdoor party for all ages will be located at the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley St.) on the Plaza Terrace. It’ll be open all three days of the event.
Expo (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Exhibitors will be at the Knoxville Convention Center and World’s Fair Exhibition Hall (935 Worlds Fair Park Dr.) selling merchandise for fishing, hunting and camping. The expo is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Weigh-Ins (4:15 p.m.)
The top bass anglers in the world will be weighing in their Tennessee River catches at Food City Center (1600 Phillip Fulmer Way). The doors will open at 3:15 p.m. and the event itself will kick off at 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, March 15
Takeoffs (7:45 a.m.)
Competitors will take off on the Tennessee River at Volunteer Landing.
Tailgate (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
This outdoor party for all ages will be located at the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley St.) on the Plaza Terrace. It’ll be open all three days of the event.
Expo (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Exhibitors will be at the Knoxville Convention Center and World’s Fair Exhibition Hall (935 Worlds Fair Park Dr.) selling merchandise for fishing, hunting and camping. The expo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Weigh-Ins (4:15 p.m.)
The top bass anglers in the world will be weighing in their Tennessee River catches at Food City Center (1600 Phillip Fulmer Way). The doors will open at 3:15 p.m. and the event itself will kick off at 4:15 p.m.
Venue Information
Each venue has its own set of policies and rules. You can find out more below:
Parking
Downtown Knoxville offers plenty of options for parking.
Shuttle Information
Free shuttles will run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on a loop between the weigh-ins and the expo. There will be two pick up and drop off locations:
- Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, University of Tennessee
- Knoxville Convention Center / World’s Fair Exhibition Hall
Parking
The University of Tennessee will offer some options for parking:
- G-10 Parking Garage: Opens at 7 a.m., $20 card-only charge
- 11th Street Parking Garage: Opens at 4 p.m. Friday, opens at 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, $20 card-only charge
- Other UT Lots: Open at 4 p.m. Friday, open at 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, $20 card-only charge
Downtown Knoxville also offers parking garages for the public to leave their cars:
- Locust Street Garage
- Langley Garage
- Market Square Garage
- State Street Garage
- Main Street Garage
- Dwight Kessel Garage
- Summer Place Garage
That said, weekday parking runs $1 per hour ($7 max) until 6 p.m., and Market Square Garage charges a $3 fee on Saturdays.
These garages are in addition to street parking, which uses the ParkMobile app to collect payment.
