Oakley Signs as Presenting Sponsor of Select Bassmaster Open Events

BASS announced today that Oakley, the Orange County, Calif.-based eyewear producer, will join the organization as a presenting sponsor of select Bassmaster Open events.

The agreement marks the first foray into BASS sponsorship for the popular sunglasses maker.  It includes presenting sponsorship of one event each in the three Bassmaster Open Divisions.  The sponsorship will kick off with the upcoming April 16-18 Bassmaster Northern Open on the Chesapeake Bay and Cecil, Md.  Oakley will also present the April 30 – May 2 Bassmaster Southern Open event on Wheeler Lake and the Sept. 3-5 Central Open event on Sam Rayburn Reservoir and Jasper, Texas.

“We are excited to collaborate with BASS and be involved with the Bassmaster tournaments”, said Patrick McIlvain, vice president of Oakley Sports Marketing. “This alliance will showcase the technical advantages of our polarized eyewear in three of the most competitive fishing events of the year.”

The sponsorship agreement includes a presence across BASS’ multimedia assets, including Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer.

“Oakley has a rock-solid reputation in the outdoors and sports industry” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, ESPN Outdoors & BASS. “The Bassmaster Opens are an attractive property with high levels of participation and its status as the qualifying level into the Elite Series.”

For more information on Oakley visit www.Oakley.com.

Bassmaster Open Official Sponsors: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats and Yamaha Marine.

Bassmaster Open Supporting Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops and Triton Boats.