ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - Dubbed "The Greatest Show in Sportfishing", the Gulf Coast's premier tournament billfish event kicks off in Orange Beach July 9th. Hosted for the week at The Wharf, The Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf will open Tuesday night with a welcoming crew party for participants. The Brian Hill Band will provide live entertainment, along with the Release Marine 'Triple Crown Challenge' fighting chair contest.

In only its second year, the Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf is sold out!

All fifty positions in the event have been committed for 2013. This is the first time since 2005 a major Invitational tournament in the northern Gulf has reached sold-out status, reflecting the huge appeal of not only the event but also The Wharf as a popular entertainment destination. Participants include entries from across the Gulf Coast from Louisiana all the way down to Tarpon Springs (FL) and as far away as South Carolina, Delaware and the British Virgin Islands.

You can find the full roster of participating boats and teams here at the tournament website.

Team activity cranks up Wednesday with team check-ins, seminars, the official tournament rules meetings and an evening street party at the Wharf with entertainment again provided by Brian Hill and Band. Culmination of the pre-tournament festivities concludes Wednesday evening with the famous 'Miss Billfish' contest.

The action moves to the water starting Thursday, with the spectacular parade of deep sea sportfishing yachts and their thrilling 'Bimini' start to the competition tournament.

Here's the full slate of tournament events open to the public:

Wednesday July 10th:

• 2 pm - 6 pm: World Famous "Dock Walk"! Stroll behind the incredible Sportfish Yachts as they prepare for the Tournament
• 7 pm: Live Entertainment by The Brian Hill Band and a Wharf Street Party at Marlin Circle/Main Street
• 9:30 pm: The One and Only - Miss Billfish Contest at Marlin Circle
• 10:15 pm: "Spectra" The Wharf's Sound and Light Spectacular

Thursday July 11th:

• 10 am - 12 noon: "Dock Walk" as the Sportfishing Yachts prepare for departure
• 12 noon: Boat departure from the Wharf Marina (Flare launch)
• "Leader Of The Pack" Bimini Start at Mobile Pass Sea Buoy

Friday July 12th:

• 7 pm: Weigh-In opening ceremonies - Presentation of Colors; National Anthem; Opening Intro
• 7 pm - 10 pm: Tournament Weigh-In hosted by Jim Cox and Randy Patrick - LIVE BROADCAST on this website!
• 7 pm - 10 pm: Release Marine Triple Crown Challenge Fighting Chair competition
• 6 pm - 10 pm: Live Entertainment on Tournament Stage
• 7 pm - 10 pm: Free Kid's Art Clinics provided by Yellowfin Gallery's own Larry Rackley
• 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm: "Spectra" The Wharf's Sound and Light Spectacular

Saturday July 13th:

• 4 pm - 4:45 pm: Fashion Show Spectacular presented by Lucca Boutique at Center Stage
• 5 pm: Weigh-In opening ceremonies - Presentation of Colors; National Anthem; Opening Intro
• 5 pm - 10 pm: Tournament Weigh-In..."The Greatest Show in Sportfishing!" - hosted by Jim Cox and Randy Patrick - (LIVE BROADCAST on the Wharf website!)
• 6 pm - 9 pm: Celebrity Chef Competition featuring Chef Tom Wolfe and Chef Steve Zucker
• 10:00 pm: "Spectra" The Wharf's Sound and Light Spectacular