March 21, 2023

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The U.S. Army’s Outdoor Team will be spotlighted to thousands of avid fishing fans from around the country as part of the iconic Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota March 24-26. The Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by the U.S. Army is recognized as fishing’s biggest consumer show and annually draws 200 exhibitors ranging from major international brands to local retailers.

“The Army Outdoor Team connects with America through the shared passion of outdoor sports,” said MSG Josh Watkins, one of two soldiers who, along with SFC Daniel Hodge, travels the country participating in key fishing tournaments and appearing at local venues. “We are armed with the latest outdoor gear, including a bass boat.”

Launched two years ago, the Army Outdoor Team uses the latest gear and soldier savvy to show their skills nationwide. The team is part of the Mission Support Battalion from Fort Knox, Ky. The battalion is co-located with its headquarters, the Army Marketing and Engagement Brigade.

The Outdoors Expo is one of the main attractions of the Bassmaster Classic, which drew 153,809 spectators and tourists from across the U.S. and multiple countries to Knoxville in 2019 and was a major contributor to the $32.2 million economic impact for Knoxville and east Tennessee, according to a report released by the Visit Knoxville Sports Commission.

The 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota Outdoors Expo presented by the U.S. Army will take place across the Knoxville Convention Center and adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall and is B.A.S.S.’s largest show to date.

To learn more about opportunities in the Army, visit goarmy.com.

The Bassmaster Classic is being hosted by Visit Knoxville.