Visit Mississippi's “Ultimate Outdoor Throwdown"

March 23, 2016
Posted by: Visit Mississippi

The Mississippi Ultimate Outdoor Throwdown, a March Madness-style bracket that lets voters name the most amazing outdoor adventure in Mississippi, launched Monday, March 28.  The bracket, promoted in partnership with Outside Magazine, matches up 32 of Mississippi’s prized outdoor attractions and activities, such as well-known trails, lakes, state parks, hunts, gardens and museums. The winner will be named “Mississippi’s Ultimate Outdoor Attraction.” Those who complete a bracket can enter for a chance to win a fishing, canoeing or kayaking gear package of their choice worth $2,000.

The fun starts at 9 a.m. CDT on March 28, and runs for four weeks, ending on April 25 at 11:59 p.m. Voters will see match-ups of some of the most noted and popular Mississippi attractions, such as the Natchez Trace, Tishomingo State Park, Horn Island, Elvis Presley Lake, the Mississippi Petrified Forest and the Mississippi River. Participants can see which place or activity is matched up against another, pick their favorites and watch in real-time to track who is winning as votes roll in. Voters can also share their selection, leaders or heated matches via social media to bring friends far and wide along for the fun.

Fans can vote as many times as they like, and voters can sign up daily for a chance to win the grand prize—a $2,000 gear package of their choice for fishing, canoeing or kayaking. Gear packages include top-of-the-line name brands such as PENN, Shimano, Yeti, Seals, Seattle Sports, Old Towne, Ocean, Emotion Glide and Pelican.

The bracket challenge gives Visit Mississippi staff and partners an opportunity to engage thousands of Mississippi fans and outdoor adventure enthusiasts while highlighting the natural beauty and serenity of an incredibly diverse and rich state.

“Mississippians and those who have had the chance to visit are incredibly passionate about the state,” said Daron Wilson, interim director for Visit Mississippi. “The natural beauty, diversity, abundant wildlife, rich history and heritage related to music, arts and food---we have it all. Green and lush northern hills and caverns, Mississippi River Delta wildlife and sporting, and the joy and relaxation of our beautiful Gulf Coast sand and waves; a range of experiences like these make Mississippi special.”

Voting will take place for four weeks starting March 28, and will end at 11:59 p.m. CDT on April 25. Participants must be at least 21 years old to enter. One sweepstakes entrant will be selected randomly as the winner of the $2,000 gear package, and can choose between a package for fishing or canoeing and kayaking.

The winner of the competition—the place or activity deemed “Mississippi’s Ultimate Outdoor Attraction” by voters—will be announced in the monthly Visit Mississippi e-newsletter in the first week of May.

To participate in the bracket, go to http://visitmississippi.org/outdoor-throwdown or like and follow Visit Mississippi’s Facebook and Twitter pages for links to the bracket.

To learn more about Mississippi’s scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, natural wonders and more, come see us at www.visitmississippi.org