That was once again the case last week when the Elite Series returned to the Sabine River for the first time since 2021. After setting an attendance record two years ago, the latest Orange County event smashed its own mark, according to recent announcement by Bassmaster.
A total of 42,448 people attended the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series event in Orange, officials said. The attendance number included takeoffs, weigh-ins, an outdoors expo and the Orange County River Festival. This year’s event easily surpassed the 2021 attendance record of more than 40,000 people.
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“We are very proud that we set a record once again in attendance for the Bassmaster Elite Series on the Sabine,” said Ida Schossow, president of the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the event. “This community loves the event, and they continue to show up to support B.A.S.S. and the anglers. Our relationship over the past 10 years with B.A.S.S has been fantastic, and we are looking forward to bringing future events to Orange County.”
Event co-chair David Jones echoed the excitement and thanked the many volunteers from across the region who helped to carry out the long-term vision of success that began 10 years ago.
“The spirit of the southeast Texas community never ceases to amaze me,” Jones said. “They are tough, resilient and always deliver. They have overcome so much over the years from recessions, several hurricanes, floods and even a pandemic. They always unite and come out on top.”
Record-breaking crowds are the norm for Bassmaster events in Orange. In four previous visits, the crowds combined for more than 136,000. Orange currently holds five of the top 10 highest-attended Elite Series events of all time.
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Orange County Judge John Gothia said he’s hoping for more.
“The hard work of our committee and volunteers insured another family fun experience which continues to grow this fantastic sport,” Gothia said. “We look forward to hosting another event in the future.”