ESPN Contact: Doug Grassian

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2008 Bassmaster Classic hooks Sports Emmy nomination for Live Event Turnaround

The Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is pleased at word of the nomination of the ESPN2 coverage of the 2008 Bassmaster Classic for a Sports Emmy Award in the "Outstanding Live Event Turnaround" category. The Bassmaster Classic, a time-honored event that reels in top professional anglers and is known as fishing's most prestigious championship, was aired on ESPN2 with the coverage produced byJM Associates/Career Sports Entertainment in Greenville in late February 2008. Tens of thousands of fans gathered around Lake Hartwell to watch the tournament, attended the weigh-ins held at the Bi-Lo Center and visited the weekend-long Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo at the Carolina First Center.

"What a tremendous honor to receive a nomination from such a respected organization," said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, ESPN Outdoors and BASS. "It's certainly confirmation that the Bassmaster Classic continues to deliver compelling content across all of our multimedia platforms." During the championship fishing event, ESPN2 presented 11 hours of programming, including two-hour shows on Saturday and Sunday within hours of each day's competition.

The 30th Annual Sports Emmy Awards, to be presented April 27 by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, recognizes excellence in sports television programming within 32 categories. The 2008 Bassmaster Classic is among an impressive list of other nominees in this category that include the 2008 Tour de France (CBS), 2008 World Series of Poker: Final Table (ESPN), Games of the XXIX Olympiad (NBC), Inside the PGA Tour - The Deutsche Bank Championship (Golf Channel/PGA Tour Productions).

While the Emmy is awarded to ESPN, the behind-the-scenes support provided by local organizations and individuals was critical to the event's success. "From the Bi-Lo Center and Carolina First Center staff to local hotels and businesses, each provided exceptional hospitality and was responsive to the needs of BASS and ESPN event staff," said Chris Stone, President of the Greenville CVB.

Event organizers and participants share similar sentiments about the 2008 tournament. Ray Scott, founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (Bass) and the Classic, referred to the 2008 Classic as "without a doubt the greatest Classic ever" and veteran angler, Tommy Biffle said, "I've been to 15 Classics and these might be the best fans we've ever had."

The Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization that is responsible for promoting the greater Greenville area as an attractive destination for meetings, conventions, trade shows and leisure travelers. As the primary marketing and promotion agency for the City and County of Greenville, the goal of the Convention and Visitors Bureau is to increase visitor-generated revenue from local, regional and national markets, strengthening Greenville's economy. #####