BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, has signed on to become a Local Partner Sponsor of the 2019 Bassmaster Classic to be held March 15-17 in Knoxville, Tenn., B.A.S.S. announced today.

Pilot Flying J, based in Knoxville, will receive recognition for its support of sportfishing in media associated with the 49th GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, including B.A.S.S.’s industry-leading magazines, Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times and website, Bassmaster.com, as well as local media promotions through broadcast, print, digital and outdoor advertising.

B.A.S.S. will also partner with Pilot Flying J to promote their mobile app. Beginning at the Bassmaster Classic, consumers who download the Pilot Flying J app and enter promo code “BASS2019” will receive an instant, one-time $5 offer that can be redeemed in stores. First-time users will also receive a free drink of their choice when downloading the app and can keep saving in-store with access to daily offers on popular food and beverages.

“We know that our 510,000 B.A.S.S. members travel frequently to enjoy our nation’s great bass lakes and rivers, and they have learned that Pilot Flying J travel centers are convenient places to fill up their tow vehicles and boats, and stock up on food and drinks,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “We’re proud to have Pilot Flying J on board as a local partner of the Bassmaster Classic.”

“We’re excited to connect with fishing and boating enthusiasts at the Bassmaster Classic in our hometown of Knoxville, Tenn.,” said Whitney Johnson, chief experience officer for Pilot Flying J. “Our large network of stores located along the nation’s highways and near many lakes, rivers and parks, bring the best service and amenities available on the road to those seeking the great outdoors. This exciting partnership with B.A.S.S. will bring guests exclusive offers through our app so they can save in-store with a special $5 offer and deals on food and drinks.”

Pilot Flying J also will receive recognition and promotion through signage and public address messaging at the Classic venues throughout downtown Knoxville, including the takeoff site at Volunteer Landing Marina, in the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo at the Knoxville Convention Center and World’s Fair Exhibition Hall, and during the daily weigh-in shows at Thompson-Boling Arena on the University of Tennessee campus.

Pilot Flying J will also have a booth at the Outdoors Expo, recognized as one of the most important and best-attended consumer fishing and boating shows in the nation.

For more information about Pilot Flying J, the mobile app and other amenities, visit pilotflyingj.com/mypilot. For information about the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, visit Bassmaster.com.

2019 Bassmaster Classic Title Sponsor: GEICO

2019 Bassmaster Classic Presenting Sponsor: DICK’S Sporting Goods

2019 Bassmaster Classic Platinum Sponsor: Toyota

2019 Bassmaster Classic Premier Sponsors: Berkley, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Skeeter Boats, Talon, Triton Boats, Yamaha, Abu Garcia

2019 Bassmaster Classic Host Sponsor: Visit Knoxville

2019 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo Presenting Sponsor: DICK’S Sporting Goods

2019 Bassmaster Classic Local Partners: Calhoun’s, Pilot Flying J, TVA

About Pilot Flying J
Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, is committed to connecting people and places with comfort, care and a smile at every stop. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot Flying J has more than 750 retail locations in 44 states, Roadside assistance available at over 135 locations nationwide and growing as part of its Truck Care program, 44 Goodyear Commercial Tire and Service Centers, and 34 Boss Shops. The Pilot Flying J network provides drivers with access to more than 72,000 parking spaces for trucks with Prime Parking at more than 400 locations, 5,200 deluxe showers and more than 6,200 diesel lanes with 5,200 offering Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) at the pump. Pilot Flying J is currently ranked No. 14 on Forbes' list of America's Largest Private Companies. Visit www.pilotflyingj.com for more information.

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport. With more than 510,000 members internationally, B.A.S.S. is not only home to the nation’s premier fishing tournament trails, but it also boasts the most expansive and comprehensive media network in the fishing industry. Its media include The Bassmasters on the ESPN networks, more than 130 hours of tournament programming on the Pursuit Channel, 250 hours of on-the-water streaming coverage on Bassmaster LIVE and 1 million monthly visitors to the flagship website on bass fishing – Bassmaster.com. B.A.S.S. also provides more than 4.4 million readers with the best in bass fishing coverage through Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times, and its radio and social media programs and events reach hundreds of thousands each month.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, culminating in the ultimate event on the biggest stage for competitive anglers, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. The trail also includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, BassPro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, and the Bassmaster Team Championship.

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Media Contact: Dave Precht, 205-313-0931, dprecht@bassmaster.com
Gettys Brannon, 864-490-7864, gettys@mcalistercommunications.com