HARTFORD, Conn. – FLW Outdoors, the world’s largest competitive-fishing organization, Riverfront Recapture Inc., and the Greater Hartford Convention and Visitors Bureau announced Wednesday that Hartford will host the $1 million Wal-Mart BFL (Bass Fishing League) All-American presented by Chevy July 5-8, 2006.
The historic All-American is one of the most prestigious events in tournament fishing, with more than 30,000 anglers annually vying for a shot at the lucrative title. In 1984, the All-American became the first bass-fishing tournament to award a $100,000 cash top prize, and in 2006, anglers from 22 states will be casting for a top award of $140,000.
“Qualifying for the All-American is one of bass fishing’s greatest accomplishments,” said Charlie Evans, president and CEO of FLW Outdoors. “It is our longest-running championship and an event that holds a special place in the hearts of anglers nationwide. A trip to the All-American is something that thousands of anglers strive for every year, but only the best accomplish. We could not have selected a better venue to host the 2006 All-American and we look forward to working with Riverfront Recapture Inc., the Greater Hartford Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Capital City Economic Development Authority to bring many more events to the region.”
As host of the 2006 All-American, Hartford will benefit from a direct economic impact of $1.6 million plus international media coverage through an expanded lineup of “FLW Outdoors” television programming, which airs to a universe of approximately 80 million homes every Sunday on FSN and ranks as one of the network’s highest rated daytime shows. Additionally, “FLW Outdoors” is also televised on the American Forces Network, which reaches more than 800,000 servicemen and women stationed around the world in 177 countries and aboard naval ships. Beginning in 2006, “FLW Outdoors” will also be broadcast internationally to approximately 100 million households in Asia and 100 million households in Europe.
“Hosting the 2006 All-American is a terrific opportunity to showcase our city and the entire region to the nation’s 55 million anglers,” said Craig Mergins, director of programs and operations for Riverfront Recapture Inc. “Fishing is a rapidly growing economic driver in the tourism industry, and with our location on the Connecticut River, the new Hartford Marriott Downtown and the new Connecticut Convention Center, we are well positioned to capitalize on this growing market.”
Daily weigh-ins for the All-American will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center July 5-8, and the Hartford Marriott Downtown will serve as the championship’s official housing. Anglers will compete each day on the Connecticut River, launching from Charter Oak Landing on Reserve Road.
Anglers from 28 BFL divisions nationwide competed in five regular-season events in 2005 in the hope of ending the season ranked in the top 40, which earned them a ticket to one of six no-entry-fee regional championships. These six regionals as well as the Chevy Wild Card determined the 2006 All-American field of 48 boaters and 48 co-anglers. Boaters will compete for a $140,000 award in Hartford and competitors in the Co-angler Division will fish for a top award of $70,000.
As part of the All-American festivities, the first 300 children 12 and under accompanied by an adult who attend the Family Fun Zone and weigh-in on opening day at the Connecticut Convention Center will receive a free rod and reel. One lucky spectator attending the final weigh-in will also win a new Ranger bass boat powered by a Yamaha outboard.
Named after the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, Forrest L. Wood, FLW Outdoors administers the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Series, Stren Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye League, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Series, Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series, Ranger owners’ tournaments and Stratos owners’ tournaments. These circuits offer combined purses exceeding $35 million through 244 events in 2006.
For more information on Wal-Mart, visit Wal-Mart.com. For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournament programs, call (270) 252-1000.
Riverfront Recapture Inc., the Greater Hartford Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Capital City Economic Development Authority are official hosts for the 2006 Wal-Mart BFL All-American.