Econo Lodge to sponsor two Bassmaster Elite Series events in 2017
Feb 2nd, 2017 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Feb 2nd, 2017 at 12:00 AM
Econo Lodge, a part of the Choice Hotels family of brands, will be the presenting sponsor for two Elite Series events during the 2017 season, B.A.S.S. announced today. They include April 6-9 at Toledo Bend Reservoir out of Many, La., and June 2-5 at Lake Dardanelle out of Russellville, Ark.
“Working with B.A.S.S. just makes great sense for Econo Lodge,” said Craig Mustard, head of domestic brand management at Choice Hotels. “Like the rest of the Choice Hotels family of brands, Econo Lodge celebrates that travel is not only about the destination, but also the people connections made along the way – whether for business, pleasure or even sport. Supporting events like the Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments is yet another way that we are helping to bring people together in an easy, memorable and enjoyable way.”
Additionally, Econo Lodge once again will sponsor the “Bassmaster Elite Series: Winning Ways” television show. It will have partner branding for two original one-hour programs on ESPN2 and six re-airs on ESPN2 and ESPN Classic. It sponsored the program in 2016 as well, along with a presenting sponsorship for the Bassmaster Elite on the Potomac River.
Econo Lodge is noted “as an easy stop on the road where you can find a great place to stay at a great rate, too.” It includes free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi and premium movie channels in its won’t-break-your-budget rates. It’s also part of one of the world’s leading lodging companies. With more than 6,400 hotels in more than 40 countries and territories, Choice Hotels offers 500,000 rooms to travelers around the world. Additionally, another 745 hotels are in the “development pipeline,” according to the company.
Toledo Bend will be the third of nine stops on the Elite Series tour during 2017. Just last year, Kevin VanDam notched the 21st B.A.S.S. event victory of his illustrious career, amassing 96 pounds, 2 ounces over four days at Toledo Bend. Following a long dry spell, which included missing the 2015 Classic, it was his first win in five years.
Additionally, that tournament was notable because Elite Series pros helped the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries stock 10,000 Florida-strain largemouth bass fingerlings. Some of those fish might be caught this year in the Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend presented by Econo Lodge, but they probably won’t end up on the weigh-in stand for a couple more years.
Lake Dardanelle, Arkansas, will be the sixth stop on the Elite Series tour. The Elite Series last visited there in 2014, when Jason Christie claimed the first-place title with 20 bass weighing 72 pounds, 3 ounces.