2008 BASSMASTER ELITE SERIES EMPIRE CHASE
July 31-August 3, 2008
at the

“Be on the lake when it’s all on the line.”

The 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series Returns to the Queen City and Lake Erie this summer for what’s sure to be another exciting week on the Buffalo Waterfront. 108 of the world’s top bass anglers will compete for over $500,000 on one of the top small mouth bass fisheries in the world.  This family friendly event is free to the public and will feature a week of activities culminating with a weekend festival and final weigh-in

EMPIRE CHASE SCHEDULE:

Monday, July 28th
Sahlen's Bass Central Tournament Kick-Off
Time: 7:00pm
Location: McKinley Mall, 3701 McKinley Pkwy. Blasdell, NY 14219
Come celebrate tournament week kick-off with your favorite Bassmaster Anglers, Paul Hirosky and Matt Sphar, as they sign autographs, hold demonstrations and offer fishing tips in the McKinley Mall Pavilion located in front of the Bon-Ton.

Thursday, July 31st
Opening Day of Tournament
Time: 8:00am
Location: NFTA Boat Harbor 1111 Furhmann Blvd. Buffalo, NY 14203
***108 Anglers launch from the NFTA Boat Harbor for the start of the four day Empire Chase.  Anglers are competing for their share of $500,000.

Daily Weigh-In
Time: 5:00pm
Location: NFTA Boat Harbor 1111 Furhmann Blvd. Buffalo, NY 14203
The field gets cut in half as the anglers compete for top prize.

Friday, August 1st
Daily Weigh-In
Time: 5:00pm
Location: NFTA Boat Harbor 1111 Furhmann Blvd. Buffalo, NY 14203
The top 50 anglers find out who will survive into the weekend.

Saturday, August 2nd
Pre-Weigh-in Entertainment
Time:  11:00am – 4:00pm
Location: NFTA Boat Harbor 1111 Furhmann Blvd. Buffalo, NY 14203
Kids Fishing Derby: 11:00am - 1:30pm
Kids Casting Contest: 2:00 - 4:00pm
Ask the Experts: 4:15pm
Take part in family activities, demonstrations, live entertainment, youth fishing derby, kids casting contests and much more.

Daily Weigh-In
Time: 5:00pm
Location: NFTA Boat Harbor 1111 Furhmann Blvd. Buffalo, NY 14203
The top 25 anglers check in to see who will compete for first place on Sunday.

Sunday, August 3rd
Boat Launch with Military Flyover: 8:00am
Pre-Weigh-in Entertainment
Time: 2:00 – 4:00pm
Location: NFTA Boat Harbor 1111 Furhmann Blvd. Buffalo, NY 14203
Kids Casting Contest: 2:00 - 4:00pm
“Hooked Up” Live Webcast: 4:15

Daily Weigh-In
Time: 5:00pm
Location: NFTA Boat Harbor 1111 Furhmann Blvd. Buffalo, NY 14203
It’s a race to the finish as the top twelve anglers fight for the title of “Empire Chase Champion,” and a check for $100,000.  It’s a finish you won’t want to miss!

Stay tuned! There’s more to come!  Check back regularly for the latest tournament news and schedule updates!

For event details check out www.bassmaster.com

Map to NFTA Boat Harbor