City to catch economic gains from FLW Cup
The FLW Cup never fails to hail as one of the Hot Springs Convention Center’s largest events, and when the convention center draws large crowds, the entire city benefits, Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said Tuesday.
The free three-day event, which begins Friday, brings in large numbers because it is appealing to fishing aficionados, beginners and people who just love country music and barbecue. Arrison said this year’s festivities will feature the weigh-ins from the FLW Cup and the Junior Championship in
Little Rock, a free Trace Adkins concert, a barbecue cookoff, the fan giveaway of a new Ranger Z521L bass boat with a 250-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard motor, and seminars from angler legends Jimmy Houston, Hank Parker and Dion Hibdon.
“Anything you want to know about fishing, this is the place to be later this week,” Arrison said, noting, “There’s something for everybody. Even if you aren’t into fishing, but you’re a Trace Adkins fan, how many times do you get to see him for free?”
Arrison said around 63,000 people attended the event last year, and he anticipates that many or more this year which will have a great impact on local businesses.
“In the vicinity of the convention center the hotels are booked very, very well,” he said. “I’m not sure there’s any rooms available at all. But it will be just another great weekend. We have this going on, plus summer is still going on. So it should be another great weekend for the Spa City.”
Arrison describes Hot Springs as the “perfect package” to host any kind of fishing tournament because of the selection of lakes it provides.
“In Hot Springs everyone understands fishing, it’s part of our culture here, and they appreciate these professionals and how skilled they are at their craft and they want to see the latest equipment so they come to the show, love to watch the weigh-ins,” he said.
This is the fifth time the FLW Cup has been held in Hot Springs. VHS is hosting the event with the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
“Although Hot Springs and Lake Ouachita have played host four times previously, the FLW Cup has been held just once at Lake Hamilton in the 24-year history of the FLW Tour —
2005. In that event Hot Spring’s local legend, pro angler George Cochran, won the event literally in his own backyard, catching key fish on a buzzbait about
300 yards from his house. He attacked the shallows of Lake Hamilton with a trip of topwater baits to earn a decisive final-day victory and the illustrious title,” according to a news release from Fishing League Worldwide.
For more information and the full FLW Cup schedule, visit http://www.flwfishing.com.