BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 2020 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Northeast Regional Championship, scheduled for August 19-21 on Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay, has been canceled. The tournament cancellation was prompted by various state regulations, which would have prevented competitors from several states and B.A.S.S. staff from traveling to and from Pennsylvania for the event.
In addition to teams from Pennsylvania, the Northeast Regional Championship includes teams from Maryland, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Rhode Island.
“We’re obviously disappointed to see an event of this caliber canceled,” said Mark Jeanneret, Executive Director of Erie Sports Commission. “We know that Erie is a world-class bass fishery, but with the various statewide travel restrictions in place, it became obvious that we would not be able to host a full field of participants, significantly diminishing the level of competition.
“B.A.S.S. has been a great partner as we collectively worked through the changing landscape of sporting events this year. We’re looking toward 2021 and remain hopeful that Erie will be able to serve as the host of this prestigious event in the future.”
The top finishing boater and nonboater from each participating state at the Northeast Regional Championship would have advanced to the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Lake Pickwick to compete for a spot in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic. Officials say they are working toward a solution for impacted anglers.
“It is disappointing any time we have to cancel a tournament, especially knowing how much these championships mean to our grass-roots anglers,” said Jon Stewart, B.A.S.S. Nation Director. “I will be working alongside these state presidents to find a fair way to advance anglers from this region to November’s National Championship.”
