Pontiac Silverdome show

[JustLookN]

There is a boat/fishing show at the dome this weekend, havent seen much advertising for it, probably not any better than previous years but something to do.

[perchjerker]

I have been hearing ads for it on the radio for 2 weeks now. I went last year, it was pretty good.

[knappy]

Note: The Michigan Boat, Sport & Fishing Show which used to be held at the Silverdome is now at Ford Field this year. I believe the show at the Silverdome is a new one to replace the loss of the Sport and Fishing show. You can go to www.showspan.com to look at the Ford Field show. (I believe this is the Sport and Fishing show is the show Perchjerker is referring to. - I went to it last couple years at the Silverdome and it was a good show).

Tradeshows that are scheduled in 2003 for Ford Field include the 20th Annual Michigan Boat, Sport & Fishing Show, which runs from January 29-February 2; the Ford Field Home & Garden Show from February 20-23; and the Ford Field Camper, Travel & RV Show from February 26-March 2.

[perchjerker]

The show I have been hearing advertized is at the Silverdome this weekend. Just heard it again driving around at lunch.

[.]

found a little info online. it runs January 8-12. Wednesday thru Friday hours 3pm-930pm. Saturday hours 10am-930pm. Sunday hours 10am-6pm. $6.50 for adults.

[Lance Valentine]

Hi Everyone:

Yes there is a boat show at the Silverdome this weekend but it is only a BOAT show. The field is covered with boats-both small and large fishing boats,pontoons, small cruisers, ski boats etc.

There is NO fishing tackle and I don't think there are any seminars. The show was put together at the last minute, so some dealers are not even attending. The big show for the East part of Michigan will be the Ford Field Show the end of January.

If you still plan on coming to the Silverdome, be sure to stop by the Freeway Sports booth and say "hi". I would love to see everyone!

Tight Lines

Lance

[perchjerker]

Thanks Lance. They are advertizing as a "boat, fishing and recreation show" I just heard it again. Glad you gave us the real scoop.

[Bo #582]

Hey Lance, Happy New Year to you. I'll see you on the Easter Division of PWT this year. Cheers!

[Wurm]

Be carefull, the Pontiac Silverdome Show this year, is NOT the same show as in previous years! ShowSpan, who ran the show for the past few years has move their show to the new Ford Field in downtown Detriot, at it usual date, which this year will be Jan 29 through Feb 2.

The show held at the Pontiac Silverdome this year/week, is being put on by the dome staff, and I doubt if it will be anything to jump for joy at. I don't think there will be all that much there.

Also, for those who liked the fishing show at the Palace... that show is now gone too. Ford Field will be the biggest show for the area.

[Husky]

No more shows ( of size) at the Palace or Silverdome? They will not get me to go down to Ford field. I grew up in the city and will never set foot in it again!
It would be interesting to see how many people might share my feelings about attending there.

[perchjerker]

They sold out every game for the Lions. That should tell you something.
They also sell out every Wings game. Downtown isnt that bad.

Im sure they will pack the place.

[Husky]

...They sold out every game for the Lions. That should tell you something....

Perchjerker,

It does tell me something. The fans in Detroit are just too good-natured and continue to support a team/ownership that has neede to be dropped a long time ago. If they just didn't buy the tickets, they might actually see some real changes.
After growing up there, attending school and college there (WSU and U of D) and having to deal with the issues of poor location, transportation, security, as well as the roads, the inconvience of dropping below 8 mile is just something I won't do. Its all yours bud! :)

[perchjerker]

Hey, you aint telling me anything I dont know.

Lived here all my life also.

My wife works downtown, never had a problem.

Like I said, they will pack the place.

[TQO]

The Silverdome show is now put on by a different promoter.

Ford Field is put on by Showspan as is the Lansing Sport and Fishing Show and the Grand Center Show.

Tom Antor has put on a hunting only show in Grand Rapids for the past several years and he has now started on in Birch Run. We are booking agent partnered with Bass Pro Shops in Auburn Hills and Bass Pro is the Key Sponsor of the Huntin Time Expo in Birch Run. Feb. 7-9. Tom puts on a great show.

I have done shows for years now and the quality and quantity of people at the shows has decreased drastically. I don't mean the personal quality of the people, just their buying habits. The Silverdome was a dead show as far as the exhibitors were concerned, but I think Ford Field will rejuvinate that a litte. There is a little excitement going downtown as the Lion and Red Wings fan show. A lot of people will go just to see the building. The price of the ticket to go to the sport show will be much less than a Lion ticket. And I feel the outfitters could beat the Lions in a football game.

I personally would just go to the Spring Classic at Bass Pro in March. Free Parking, Free Admission, lots of tackle, some of the best pros around and your spouse can go shopping.

Bass Pro is also having a little outfitters weekend in Auburn Hills on the same weekend as the Ford Field Show. There won't be a bunch of outfitters, but it gives customers a chance to talk to a few of the local guys and there will be a few guys from aroung the country and Canada also.

Hope to see you there.

Rich
Tahquamenon Outfitters
Outdoor Connection

[TimT]

The dome show used to be good. Now, with no tackle at all, it's not worth having. Novi always had a good selection of fishing boats, with some tackle.

I'll tell you what, though. There's a boat and fishing show in London, ONT that smokes anything in Michigan. They really do have a lot of exibiters there. Lots of boats and tackle to look at, with some great deals to be had.

The silverdome show was really good about 3 years ago, with lots of tackle shops that had discounted prices. Hopefully, the attraction of the new Ford Field will bring out some more of the Michigan retailers.

When is Simrad or Raytheon going to sell some discounted autopilots at one of these shows???

[JustLookN]

Thanks Lance, I heard the no tackle also, last year there was some in a small dome outside, might see ya anyway

[Stormsearch]

TimT,

Can you provide anymore details on the show in London? Thanks.

[TimT]

I'm waiting for a call from my buddy in London to give the dates of this years show.

The biggest difference was the number of tackle shops at their show. There had to be at least a dozen, all with sales of some sort. Around here, you get k-d outdoors from waterford at the palace. They didn't even show up for the dome.

With wonderland, freeway, general or whoever showing up at novi, cobo, birch run, ford field and the dome, the "boats" are covered real well. Not everybody going to a "boat and fishing" show are there for the boats. Many people are there for the fishing. With the number of shops at the London shop, it provided for hours of shopping.

I should note that I'm more of a salmon fisherman than walleye, so my opinion may not be the same as yours.

I'll post a link to the outfit that puts the show on, as soon as I get the info.

[Gilly]

Yo Tim T- Is this the show you are referring to? I knew they had some good shows and would like to take one in this year as well. Can't beat that exchange rate either.

http://www.boatcottagefishingshow.com/exibitors/exhibit-ko.htm

[TimT]

Gilly, that sure looks like it. Lot of exibitors, eh?

[Gilly]

Looks good TimT to me. I noticed quite a few outfitters and tackle companies listed. I am just across the border by the Blue Water Bridge so it is a hop and skip for us. I am starting to think about even the bigger shows in Toronto now! See you there..gilly