KNOXVILLE
The scene was giddy at blastoff. In 2019, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic blasted off from downtown Knoxville — not far from the headwaters of the hallowed Tennessee River — in a tournament for the ages. Spectators packed the Knoxville riverfront that morning, flowed over to the nearby Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo and settled into the spectacular confines of Thompson-Boling Arena for the weigh-in that afternoon.
By the end of Day 1, it was clear to all that the Classic would be returning to Knoxville sooner rather than later. Here we are.
As fishing fans prepare to descend on Knoxville in droves once again, the host
