Bass Pro Shops Announces Massive Development

On Bridgeport Harbor

BRIDGEPORT — More than 400 people gathered at Steelpointe Harbor on Sunday, July 8, to welcome a major anchor tenant — national outdoor retailer Bass Pro Shops — to the long-vacant 50-acre development situated on Long Island Sound.

Mayor Bill Finch, Governor Dannel Malloy, Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, developer Robert Christoph, Sr, his son, Robert Christoph, Jr, and a host of outdoors celebrities from the world of fishing, bull riding, and NASCAR joined a crowd of local, state, and federal dignitaries to unveil the plans for the 150,000-square-foot store, the size of four-and-a-half football fields.

 “Today’s announcement marks a historic moment for the City of Bridgeport and Steelpointe Harbor. Bass Pro Shops’ investment in Bridgeport will create hundreds of jobs, generate new tax revenues, and bring economic growth to the city,” said Mayor Finch. “They are a proven brand that will generate interest and attract customers from throughout the region. Bass Pro Shops is committed to Bridgeport and we are proud to have them as a major anchor tenant at Steelpointe Harbor.”

The agreement is the culmination of almost a year of discussions and meetings between the city, state, and Bass Pro Shops.

“This is about jobs, and it’s great news for the City of Bridgeport,” said Gov Malloy. “Bass Pro will be a draw for people from throughout the region, one that will help revive the local economy. I look forward to solidifying state support for the agreement in the coming weeks. I want to congratulate the mayor and his team on a job well done and welcome Bass Pro to Bridgeport.”

Mr Morris said, “It is incredible to have the opportunity to place a store on Long Island Sound at the center of one of the largest retail trade areas in America with over 12 million people within a 50-mile radius.”

“The area’s long history of great fishing and hunting traditions along with this highly visible and accessible location make it the perfect place to allow us to better serve our many customers and all the outdoor enthusiasts that visit and live in this beautiful part of the country,” Mr Morris continued.

Attending the event were professional anglers and TV hosts Bill Dance and Jimmy Houston, PBR Professional Bull Rider Luke Snyder, and Daytona 500 winner NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray.

Nationally, Bass Pro Shops will host more than 113 million people visiting its 58 stores across America and Canada this year. The average customer stays more than two hours and drives an average distance of 50-plus miles.

Bass Pro Shops was recently named by Advertising Age magazine as one of the Top Ten Hottest Brands in America along with name brands such as Old Spice, M&M’s, iPad, and Droid.

Also, Bass Pro Shops has been recognized numerous times for its conservation and outdoor education efforts. The convenient and high visibility store location off Interstate 95 will provide tourists, travelers, and outdoor sports enthusiasts of all types with a wide-ranging product line.

It is expected to generate at least 250 jobs.

“This announcement is just the beginning of what will take shape at Steelpointe Harbor. Soon, infrastructure improvements on the peninsula will begin, and during the next 18 to 24 months you should see the widening of roadways and expansion of utility capacity,” said Robert Christoph, Sr, of Bridgeport Landing Development, developers of Steelpointe Harbor. “This project will bring hundreds of construction jobs and much needed upgrades to our roads and utilities which will help build the foundation for further expansion on Steelpointe.”