Wal-Mart Sponsors Redman Trail for 2001

 HOT SPRINGS, Ark. May 11, 2000--With fishing's
popularity at an all-time high, the world's largest retailer today
announced it will bolster its presence in the sport by assuming the
title sponsorship of the nation's largest bass fishing tournament
series for weekend anglers, the 119-event program known as the Red Man
Tournament Trail.
   The Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League (BFL), which commences in 2001,
signals the company's strong commitment to one of the nation's most
popular pastimes and bodes well for the future of the sport. In recent
years, bass fishing has moved from the backwaters of southern
impoundments to the mainstream thanks in large part to the prestigious
Wal-Mart sponsored FLW Tour and EverStart Series - both Operation Bass
programs.
   Red Man, a brand of Swedish Match, became the title sponsor of
Operation Bass' popular tournament series, dubbed the "working man's"
tournament trail, in 1983 and is widely credited with opening
competitive bass fishing to the masses with low-entry-fee,
close-to-home, weekend tournaments.
   "For 17 years, they have been a tremendous partner," said
Operation Bass chairman Irwin L. Jacobs. "Their support early on laid
the groundwork for the success the sport is experiencing today and has
enabled us to involve literally thousands of anglers in competitive
fishing."
   The announcement that Wal-Mart is stepping up its role in the
world of bass fishing comes just as America's bass fishing enthusiasts
are responding in record numbers to a new tournament format introduced
for the series at the start of the 2000 season. Like the Wal-Mart FLW
Tour and EverStart Series, Operation Bass introduced a boater and
co-angler format to the popular weekend series that allows an angler
to select the division that best suits his or her abilities. The
change has spawned record participation in the trail's 22 divisions,
and Wal-Mart has plans to grow the series even further with more
lucrative awards, new divisions and more events.
   "We are always looking for innovative ways to reach our
customers," said Mike McFadden, vice president, divisional merchandise
manager for Wal-Mart. "Our support of this series is a new way to
communicate with Wal-Mart customers who enjoy the outdoors and those
who love to fish."
   According to Ranger Boats president, Randy Hopper, "Ranger is
looking forward to Wal-Mart coming on board. As the first sponsor of
the tournament trail, we've always enjoyed our participation in the
series, and we believe that Wal-Mart's enthusiastic support will bring
even more high profile exposure to the sport."
   Along with Wal-Mart, Ranger also plans to expand their role in the
Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League with the introduction of a cash bonus
program that will be incremental to the normal Wal-Mart Bass Fishing
League pay out. Plans are to reward top finishers who fish from their
Rangers.
   Longtime sponsor Evinrude Outboards will continue as the
presenting sponsor of the new series. Red Man is expected to continue
its involvement at some level.
   "Wal-Mart's customers and fishing enthusiasts are one and the
same," Jacobs said. "The fishing community comprises an extremely
loyal customer base that has been neglected for years. Until now, this
substantial group has never been properly marketed to. Wal-Mart,
however, is changing that."