Outdoor Adventures Area, Kid-friendly Activities and Off-road Test Tracks Highlight Toyota Texas Bass Classic at Lake Fork

Media Contact: Stevie Patnode, Marketing and Communications, (971) 246-2235 icle__media__contact">Media Contact: Stevie Patnode, Marketing and Communications, (971) 246-2235 or stevie.patnode@octagon.com; Lenny Francoeur, Tournament Director, (479) 715-6103 or lenny@toyotatexasbassclassic.com

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ATHENS—The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC), the world championship of professional bass fishing, is bringing the best anglers along with some of the biggest bands in country music to Lake Fork. In addition, there will be a full lineup of family-friendly activities taking place on the grounds of the Sabine River Authority (SRA) just east of the Lake Fork Dam.

“We have great country music and a stellar field of anglers coming to Lake Fork. With all of the activities we have planned for fans and families, it’s shaping up to be a great weekend at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic,” said Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur. “We encourage everyone to get their tickets early. This event is really about supporting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and it’s a great way for the community to enjoy world-class entertainment and support a worthy cause.”

Daily tickets are valid for admission to the festival grounds for angler weigh-ins, daily concerts, Bass Pro Shops Kids Zone and the outdoor adventure area and expo, among other activities. Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 at the gate. To purchase tickets, visit www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com. Limited tickets are also available at local Toyota dealers, Academy Sports + Outdoors and Brookshire’s.

Following are the highlights of the three-day event.

Take-Off: Come out to the SRA to see the top 50 pro anglers in the world each morning. Get angler autographs, see the latest gear and equipment, listen to angler interviews and cheer on your favorites as they take off to do battle with Lake Fork’s giant bass (Take-Off parking and admission are free. Take-Off gates open at 6:00am).

Outdoor Adventures Area: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Adventures Area features kid-friendly activities that highlight  TPWD’s youth fishing programs. Activities include archery, Operation Game Thief Wall of Shame, kids casting challenge and a host of other outdoor-themed educational and interactive exhibits.

Toyota Drive Center: Fans can try out brand new Toyota vehicles on an off-road test track. Enjoy hands-on driving experiences in the latest Toyota makes and models including the 2014 Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia, 4Runner and FJ Cruiser.

Yamaha Test Track: Fans can test various Yamaha ATVs and side-by-sides on the 25,000 square foot test track that includes bumps, twists, log-filled roads and obstacles.

Outdoor Expo: Come early to visit the 80,000 square foot expo center featuring the latest in outdoor gear & products from Bass Pro Shops & Nitro Boats. Take in a seminar at the Berkley  tank or see the latest line of Toyota vehicles. There is plenty to see and do in the Outdoor Expo!

Bass Pro Shops Kids Zone: The Outdoor Kids Zone will feature entertainment for all ages. Families can enjoy several activities including an inflatable obstacle course and Velcro wall, BB gun shooting range, kayak pool and mechanical bull riding.

Good Eats: Johnsonville Big Taste Grill, The world’s largest touring grill, will be on site grilling up more than 750 brats at a time. Not your average backyard barbeque, the grill weighs more than 53,000 pounds and measures 65 feet long. An array of food trucks will be on hand to cater to all fan’s savory needs. From  Cajun meat pies to snow cones, ice cream and gourmet treats, TTBC has it covered!

Live Concerts with Pat Green, Little Big Town, Justin Moore and more: TTBC will bring a star-studded music lineup to Lake Fork each day following the tournament weigh-ins. Pat Green will kick off the weekend’s concerts on Friday, May 9, followed by Little Big Town on Saturday, May 10. Closing the event Sunday, May 11, will be Justin Moore.

The TTBC tournament functions are operated by the Professional Anglers Association with technical assistance and support from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division. Toyota is the title sponsor for the event. Official sponsors of TTBC are ATX Wheels, Bass Pro Shops, Nitro Boats, Geico, Leer Truck Caps, Republic Services, HOLT CAT, Shakespeare Ugly Stik, Tellespen, Yamaha, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Brookshire’s, TLC Radio, KYKX 105.7, 104.1 The Ranch, KMOO 99.9 and the Coca-Cola Company. Tickets are currently on sale. For more information visit www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com or call 1-866-907-0143.