City to Host Bass Tourney

The City Council voted Monday night to pay a $5000 host fee to host The Bass Federation's Eastern Divisional Championship next September.  Officials expect the tournament to provide an infusion into the local economy of at least 30 times that much, as well as generating positive publicity for the city.

The tournament will be held September 10-13, 2013, in Middletown and Haddam.  The boat launch location will be at the Haddam Meadows State Park, with the weigh-in location expected to be at Harbor Park, according to city Planning Director Bill Warner.

Mayor Dan Drew, upon unanimous approval of a resolution by the City Council, noted that Middletown had been in competition with other Connecticut communities to land the popular tournament.

"This will bring a significant infusion of funds into the community" said the Mayor.  "The fishermen and their families and others will be staying in town, they'll be eating here, they'll be shopping here."

The Bass Federation estimated that they would need 90 hotel rooms in the area.  The Inn at Middletown will be the official tournament hotel.  The federation also projected that visitors would be spending money on gas, meals, entertainment and other expenses for a total economic impact of over $150,000.   Mayor Drew told The Eye this was a conservative estimate, and in accord with studies of similar tournaments held around the country.

The resolution passed by the council also notes that the event will help promote the city through publicity, including 50,000 monthly 'hits' on The Bass Federation's website.  The $5000 will come from the city's economic development fund.