Here Is a little information regarding the Classic at lake Hartwell.
This link should provide the venues, times, and directions to the launch site, expo, and weigh-in: http://www.bassmaster.com/attend-2015-geico-bassmaster-classic#
I have been to quite a few classics and here are some tips that I have gained through the years. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you are going to be doing a lot of walking, especially at the expo. It's a good Idea to either bring a bag for the free goodies you will find or pick one up inside, either at the door as you enter or one of the many, many, booths located inside.
I would give yourself plenty of time to browse as there Is a lot to look at. I can't stress this enough. There are going to be a lot of people doing what you are doing so relax, be courteous, and don't get in a hurry. If you see a pro you would like to talk to, again, be patient. A good many folks are wanting the same experience as you are wanting. The last time at Hartwell the line to get a Bill Dance autograph was quite long. I might be wrong about this but there are times when a pro might not have the time to talk. I wouldn't take It personal as the majority of the pros at the expo are working. I think timing Is the key. I'm sure it will be like the last time, you will have to pay to park. I think it was $5.00 but I will check on this and update.
I'm going to check on this an update as needed but at the last classic at Heartwell (actually Greenville SC) they had shuttle buses from the expo to the weigh-in arena. It was a little bit of a hassle but for me It beat driving as there was quite a bit of traffic congestion. I will try to find out some times for the actual opening of the doors at the Bon Secours Wedllness Arena(for the weigh-in) but be prepared to stand outside for quite a while. I think we stood In line for over an hour each day before they opened the doors. The seating Is nice but don't be disappointed by not getting to sit front and center. The event has seats that are for VIP'S, family, press, and sponsors. It's a fact of life. They have video boards so seeing everything will not be a problem. This part I was debating as some might take offense. At every classic I have been to there are folks that bring In some of the goodies they either got for free or bought. I think that's great sans an Item or two. It's close quarters and to be sitting right behind a guy with a 7' flippin' stick(stright up in the air the entire time) Is a royal pain. Again, try to be courteous and think of how your actions might affect others. Also, there was a metal detector and wand at the door. I bring this up to tell you, you should leave your pocket knife in the car. I had to throw one away before they would let me enter.
I hope we can get a Bassresouce meet and greet but It's quite difficult with all kinds of different schedules. I'm open for either a greet at a certain place at the expo or maybe some supper after the weigh-in Saturday evening. I had the pleasure of meeting Glenn and his wife Keri at the classic in Birmingham(I'm sure he won't remember) and I'm here to tell you they are very nice folks and quite approachable! I have met senko77(Ryan) at the classic In Birmingham a few years ago and again awesome folks!
I'm not sure If any of the sponsers will have a booth at the expo but If they do I'm positive they would be glad for you to stop by and say hello. I met Bobby Urhig at one of the classics I went to and he and the folks working the booth we top notch!
Hotels: There are a bluebillion In the area with a great many price ranges. The only thing I will say with certainty is you need to book a room now! If you are Interested In going to the launch each morning I would highly suggest getting a room on the South side of Greenville as Heartwell Is further South. I stayed In a hotel In Spartanburg and the drive to the launch was right at an hour.
Food: many places around the area but I do remember not much around the expo area within walking distance. This may have changed or maybe I wasn't looking hard enough. I hope some of the local folks can chime In and let us out-of-towners know of decent places to eat close to the expo. It's a longtime from 10:00 am to around 7:00 pm without much to eat. I did have a burger or two Inside the expo but It was awful. They were worse at the weigh-in venue.
I will add to this thread as I get more concrete information but I did want to get a little something going as It's only 21 days until the classic! I hope others will add to the above so we can all be somewhat Informed.
