$5 Million Boat Launch Facility Prepared For Bassmaster Classic

We're just days away from the start of the Bassmaster Classic, which will bring the world's best bass fisherman to Grand Lake.

The tournament will also bring tens of thousands of fans from across the country to the weigh-ins and expo in downtown Tulsa.

On the shore along Grand Lake in Grove, construction crews have been working to meet a deadline for one of the biggest sporting events ever to come to Oklahoma: The Bassmaster Classic.

The best of the best will be launching out of a brand new multi-million-dollar boat launch facility.

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"It will be one of the top five in the country when it is complete, hold over 400 boats," said Tad Jones, of the Grand Lake Association.

The $5 million Wolf Creek boat and launch facility covers about 20 acres, and has six boat ramps.

Crews are paving a primary lot and a secondary lot. A 200-foot dock is also being installed, which can hold dozens of boats. It's perfect for the professional anglers coming with the Bassmaster Classic.

"The other facilities we've had have been adequate, but this will be above and beyond that," said Tim Heird.

A Grove resident, angler and Bassmaster fan, Heird said it's been great watching the launch facility take shape over the past several months.

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"With the pavilion they're making and the restrooms here, it will be really nice," Heird said.

The $5 million facility is a partnership using local, state and federal dollars.

"We're looking at this being a very long term investment, something that Grand Lake has talked about for years, but it was the Bassmaster Classic that made it a reality," Jones said.

It's an investment that already is paying off, not just with the Bassmaster Classic, but with other events. Another national fishing championship is coming to Grand Lake in April, with anglers from every state. And a world class fishing tournament is also scheduled for June.

Future plans include additional courtesy docks, more parking, pavilions and playgrounds.