PLEASE NOTE:

The following information is from the 2008 Ultimate Sport Show - Grand Rapids.

Big Buck Night West

Celebrity hosts Jimmy Gretzinger and Kelly Gotch of Michigan Out-of-Doors TV Show will interview the lucky Michigan hunters who bagged some of the largest whitetail deer of the season.  Special consideration is given to the lucky hunters who have amazing stories about their trophies.  This one-night show will be filmend for airing on the upcoming television program and is a must see for every Michigan deer hunter.

Lake Ultimate

An indoor lake?  You bet!  Back by popular demand, DeVos Place will be home to this huge indoor lake.  With over 110,000 gallons of water, this lake provides the ULTIMATE opportunity for seminar leaders like bass fishing experts Joe Thomas, Jonathan VanDam and others to present from their rigged fishing boats while maneuvering across the water of Lake Ultimate.  These truly unique seminars are seen only at Michigan's Ultimate Sport Shows in Grand Rapids and Detroit!

Stihl Ironjack Timber Team Outfitted by Cabella's

Don't miss the Stihl IRONJACK Timber Team Outfitted by Cabela's!  These world class forest sports athletes compete in a decathlon of timber events designed to challenge even the heartiest lumberjacks.  From the precision and control required for the axe throw, to the power and technique needed for the springboard chop, the IRONJACK decathlon is like no other!  Events include single buck sawing, logrolling and the out of control speed climbing of a 50 ft. tree that ends in a free-fall.  This show is not only filled with fierce competition, but offers family entertainment and comedy sure to keep you coming back for another performance.   

Ultimate Air Dogs

Who says dogs can't fly?  West Michigan families have a big treat in store when the Ultimate Air Dogs Big Air Show comes to town.  Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Milt Wilcox will host this special feature, which sport show patrons may have seen on ESPN's Great Outdoor Games.  Competitions are also seen on the Sporting Dog Challenge and the Super Retriever Series, both on ESPN2.  Wilcox is bringing several other champion leapers to DeVos Place for the event.  You could be a witness to a world record!

For more information and pre-registration visit:  www.UltimateAirDogs.net

The State's Best Taxidermy

The huge 26th Year Anniversary Display is going to be the biggest ever!  If this is your first time, come down and see why so many people say when they walk through the front door of the Sport Show is:  "Which way to the Taxidermy?"  The Michigan Taxidermist Association holds their annual competition and convention at the Show each year.  Fish, deer heads, small and large mammals are all on display.  Upwards of 250 mounts are entered!  Most museums would love to have just a sample of this annual display. 

Fly Casting Instruction

Come take advantage of FREE fly casting instruction coordinated by the Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company.  Stop by and ask for help with fly casting fundamentals from beginner to advanced.  Professional guides will be on hand to provide tips and techniques that will surely improve your time on the water this year.

Fly Tyers Corner

Presented by the Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company and the Grand Rapids Fly Tyers

Watch some of the top fly tyers in Michigan as they set up and demonstrate their favorite patterns or fulfill a request on the spot.  This is a constant workshop for anglers that share an interest in this artful pastime.

Rock Climbing Wall

Sponsored by K&M Dodge / Sprinter

It's a thrill - fun and safe!  Test your climbing ability utilizing the state of the art hydraulic belay system.   There is a small fee for participation and proceeds benefit Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Grand Rapids.

Trout Pond

Challenging anglers of all ages!  Even if you come just to watch you will see the highest catch percentage of any trout pond you have ever seen.  Proceeds benefit the Northern Little League.

Fish Cleaning Demonstrations

Presented by the Grand Rapids Steelheaders

Learn the best way to clean your fish.  All fish caught at the Trout Pond will be cleaned and bagged with ice for FREE at the Steelheaders' fish cleaning / demonstration booth.  Bring 'em home ready for the skillet!

Virtual Fishing Simulator

Presented by the Michigan Charter Boat Association

Simulated fishing?  Yes, it is "virtual fishing!"  Take the trolling rod in hand, watch the video screen and get ready!  The salmon takes that lure like a freight train and your job is to land that fish.  Michigan Charter Captains are on hand to coach your fish playing technique.  Top scores win charter fishing trips on the Great Lakes!  Proceeds benefit the Michigan Charter Boat Association Scholarship Fund.

Pellet Shooting Range

Sponsored by the Newaygo County Sportsmen's Club

The Pellet Shooting Range will thrill plinkers and shooters of all ages.  NRA certified instructors are on hand to teach accuracy and safety to shooters of all ages.  Proceeds benefit the NCSC.

Woodland Woodcarvers

Come and see the beautiful and impressive display of the Woodland Woodcarvers.  Local artisans will display the results of their work, as well as demonstrate their considerable skills.  Every year it gets better!  Everything from the incredibly lifelike to the whimsically humurous will be on display and the carvers will be happy to talk to you about their work.

Hotels

DeVos Place is located within walking distance to four downtown Grand Rapids hotels, including:

·         Amway Grand Plaza Hotel* (http://www.amwaygrand.com/)  

·         JW Marriott* (www.ilovethejw.com)

·         Courtyard Marriott* (http://www.courtyard.com/GRRDT)

·         Days Hotel (http://www.dayshotelgrandrapids.com/)

*These hotels are connected via a temperature controlled elevated skyway.

For a list of other nearby hotels, check out these local resources:

·         Grand Rapids CVB (www.VisitGrandRapids.org)

·         Kent County Lodging Association (www.KentCountyLodgingAssoc.org)