Houston Rockets Coach to Judge in BBQ Cook-Off
OutdoorHub 09.26.12
Other activities include Toyota Ride and Drive, BBQ Cook-Off and Live Music
For three years, the Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) has brought the best anglers, biggest country music stars and most exciting family fun to Conroe, and this year is no different. TTBC tournament officials are excited to announce that Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale will make an appearance at the tournament. The Toyota Texas Bass Classic will take place Sept. 28-30 at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center in Conroe.
New this year to the Toyota Texas Bass Classic is the BBQ Championship Cook-off, where teams will compete for four different categories – Chicken, Brisket, Ribs and People’s Choice, with fans voting on the People’s Choice winner. Judges will officiate in the other categories, and Coach McHale will serve as a brisket judge. After judging the competition, McHale will be available for media questions. Coach McHale won’t be the only Rockets member on hand. Members of the Rockets Power Dancers and Clutch, the mascot, will be at the expo throughout the day, interacting with fans and signing autographs.
Reliant Energy Outdoor Adventures Area – The Reliant Energy Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Adventures Area features kid-friendly activities that emphasize the TPWD’s youth fishing programs. Activities include a rock climbing wall, archery, kids casting challenge and a host of outdoor-themed educational and interactive exhibits
Sam’s Club Kids’ Zone – There are plenty of great activities for kids at TTBC. New this year in the Sam’s Club Kids’ Zone are inflatable activities, like an obstacle course, a Velcro wall, a human Hamster Ball and mechanical bull.
Angler Demonstrations – The best anglers in the world aren’t only competing at the TTBC – they’re teaching, too. Pro anglers will be giving out tips and techniques all weekend at the Academy Sports + Outdoors area. Work on your angling skills while talking to your favorite anglers! Skeet Reese, who finished 11th in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings, will be out at the Berkley Fishing expo booth on Saturday, September 29.
Toyota Drive Center – Get up-close and personal with various Toyota makes and models at the Toyota Drive Center. The hands-on driving experience will give you the opportunity to see all that Toyota vehicles have to offer in durability, safety and quality while enjoying the unique off-road course.
Local Artists – Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan and Jake Owen aren’t the only entertainers to hit the stage at TTBC! The entire weekend will be filled with music, with local artists performing during the day at the Milwaukee Tools Expo Stage located in the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Expo. Houston-based band Southern Slang will perform at 4:00 p.m. on the Main Stage. Formed in 2010, Southern Slang plays a mix of classic and southern rock and blues. They recently won the Houston Business Journal Battle of the Business Bands. Other bands include The Coleman Brothers on Friday Sept. 28, Jeremy Lamont on Saturday, Sept. 29 and the Buck Yeager Band closing out the weekend on Sunday, Sept. 30.
The Toyota Texas Bass Classic tournament functions are operated by the Professional Anglers Association with technical assistance and support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division. Title sponsor for the event is Toyota. Other sponsors include: Ricoh, ATX Wheels, Coca-Cola, TXU and U.S. Reel. Corporate partnership opportunities are available for 2012. For additional information, visit toyotatexasbassclassic.com.
Limited quantities of free tickets are available this year to the three-day outdoor music festival and professional bass fishing world championship. Fans can obtain free tickets online now at toyotatexasbassclassic.com, while supplies last. Tickets are available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday individually. Fans can also pick up TTBC tickets at any Toyota dealership or Academy Sports + Outdoors location in the greater Houston area. Walk-up tickets the day of the event will require a donation towards the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and all days are subject to sell out.
The daily tickets are valid for admission into the festival grounds for angler weigh-ins and the concert on that particular day. All activities, including concerts, weigh-ins, Reliant Outdoor Adventures Area and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Expo will take place at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center’s festival grounds in Conroe. Concert headliners include Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan and Jake Owen.
