If you guys are going to the weigh-ins, get there SUPER early on days 3 and 4. Last time it was here in Shreveport, there was over 1000 people that couldn't get in because the fire marshals wouldn't let them in. It's going to be packed so be prepared. I'm pretty sure they will have buses traveling to and from the expo and weigh ins. Not sure of the hours of the buses though, but the expo will be awesome. Shreveport is probably one of the best places to host the classic. 2 years ago there was record number crowds, and I bet the records will be broken again this year!!

Very good point Joe, several were turned away. Be sure to look me up there and we can talk about how awesome Falcon is, sorry I missed you last week down there, congrats on your big fish

Debra

When are the dates? And where is the expo if I'm not working Iwould like to attend one day.

Looks like Friday 2-24-12, through the weekend.

I would like to go also...

More like 15,000. Sheb, I hate that I'm not going to be there, too. It's the best Classic venue there is. The Expo will be packed every day and there is lots of good stuff and people to see. You'll see Ray Scott, Bill Dance and a bunch of other legends of the sport at the expo every day. Plus lots of pros that aren't fishing the Classic this year but are still huge names. And as said, they will sign autographs, take pictures with you and visit a little.

As for the launch, I only went to the final day as KJ was one of the six. Went to the weigh-ins every day and they are very fun, especially the last two days. Zac Brown Band rocked the Centel Center last time. Dunno who their headliner is this year.

The most fun I had though was hanging around the Hilton where I stayed. That's where all the pros and their families stay, plus the B.A.S.S. folks, TV folks, etc. I saw and visited with more big names there than anywhere. Sat at a table with Bill Dance and Ray Scott and Bryon Velvick and Mary Delgado and that was a real hoot. Even got Ray to call one of my buddies and mess with him. Went to the Champions Toast for Skeet. That was pretty cool. Mind you, I had an all acess badge, so got to go a lot of places most couldn't.

But it is definitely something you should do at least once, and Shreveport is an awesome set-up.

1st day
1. Go to the launch. ( they had buses last time, get there early )

2. After launch go to expo until weigh in
Alt (1) 2. Go to Casinos

3. go to weigh in
Alt (1) 3. The weigh in is pretty long with all the anglers, you can stay at the expo.

Alt (2) 3. Go to weigh in Sat and Sun.

Alt (3) 3. If you go on the weekend, the expo is better, more people, but more pros.

I went in 2009, my folks live there free room!

Did the launch on Days 1 & 2, frickin' cold, but fun to watch.

Expo on Day 1.

Weigh-in Day 1 & 2, had to go back to Houston Sunday.

Neat experience, but the expo in the Shreveport convention center is a mess, too broken up.

Weigh-ins are at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, launch is at Red River South.

Buses to the launch were sweet to have.

See you there.

Is it advised to ride the buses to the launch vs. just driving our own vehicle? Or just another alternative?

I dont remember having any place to park your own vehicle. It seemed that it was by permit or pass only. Its just a marina, so its not a place to park that many cars, and the pros took up a bunch of space with boats, trucks.

It would be easier to fly your Hellicopter.

took my son and father to the last one there. we were at the launch each morning and got there early. we posted up at the top of the boat ramp where they stopped just before unloading. i have several videos of ike, kvd, reese, and others talking to my son and i. other thing that is cool is going to the weight in. we went out back where the boats come in, got up close and personal pics with any angler we wanted. they would come over, talk, sign autographs and let you take pics. ike and kvd are the best about spending time with people

did you take the buses to the launch tx?

take some Sandwiches

Do catch big fish

dont spend all your money gambling...


that would be me... LOL!