ANDERSON, SC - The 2008 Bassmaster Classic will take place on Lake Hartwell the weekend of February 22-24, starting at Portman Marina off Highway 24. It will be the second time the event has been held in South Carolina. The first time was 1973 on Clarks Hill.

ESPN2 will broadcast same-day coverage of the tournament, plus preview programming from February 18-22.

Competitors are currently practicing. The last practice day is February 20. They will compete in the classic for a total prize purse of $1.2 million, with $500,000 as the top prize. All fishermen will participate the first two days, but only the top 25 will fish on the last day.

The photo was taken in downtown Anderson. One of the art sculptures from the "Get Hooked on the Arts" project sits underneath the Bassmaster Classic banners on Main Street.

Tournament Launch:
Portman Marina
1629 Marina Rd.
Anderson, SC
864-287-3211

Weigh-In Location:
Bi-Lo Center
650 N. Academy St.
Greenville, SC
864-250-4943

ESPN Outdoors Expo:
Carolina First Center
1 Exposition Ave.
Greenville, SC
864-233-2562

Host City:
Greenville, S.C. and the Upstate region

Fishery:
Lake Hartwell

Host Organizations:
Greenville Convention & Visitors Bureau (GCVB)
Southern Hospitality Group Event Management (SHGEM)
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT)

Host venues:
Carolina First Center
BI-LO Center
Portman Marina
Lake Hartwell

Event Sponsors:
Toyota Tundra
Triton Boats
Mercury Marine
Purolator
Berkley
Advance Auto Parts
Lowrance Electronics
MotorGuide