American sporting legend Ted Nugent will be coming to Springfield next month as the celebrity headline speaker for an inaugural Outdoor Expo.

The expo, sponsored by The State Journal-Register, is scheduled for Sept. 21 at the BOS Center. The expo will include multiple activities centered around outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping and survival.

“The State Journal-Register is excited to host the Outdoor Expo and provide Springfield and central Illinois residents with fun entertainment, helpful outdoor information and connections to local businesses,” SJ-R General Manager Eugene Jackson said. “I grew up in Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains and I care deeply about the outdoors. I am so thrilled to bring America’s No. 1 Outdoors Role Model Ted Nugent to Springfield as our headline speaker for this amazing event. We look forward to an exciting day of fun for all ages.”

Nugent, a vocal pro-hunting voice and avid outdoorsman, is scheduled to give an archery presentation and demonstration at 1 p.m. during the Outdoors Expo, then will be back at 3:20 p.m. for his “Spirit of the Wild” presentation.

Nugent has racked up numerous accolades as he has championed the outdoors, including being named favorite “Hunting Personality” by the readers of Outdoors Magazine. He was inducted into the National Bowhunters Hall of Fame and his award-winning “Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild” television show has aired 500 episodes on the Outdoor Channel.

But Nugent is known for more than just his advocacy for the outdoors and hunting. He has sold more than 40 million albums and performed more than 6,700 concerts. He is an outspoken proponent of 1st and 2nd Amendment rights, serves on the board of directors of Gun Owners of America and has served continuously on the NRA board of directors since his initial election in 1995.

He has also been lauded for his work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Pass It On Outdoor Mentors Program. He serves as ambassador for Exodus Place, advancing the goal of “zero veteran homelessness in Michigan” and works with Operation Finally Home to provide quality, mortgage-free housing for wounded and disabled vets.

Besides Nugent’s presentations, Jackson said the Outdoor Expo will offer events for the entire family and vendors will be on hand to sample, demonstrate and sell their products and services. Prizes and giveaways also will be offered.

To learn more about the expo and to purchase tickets, visit www.SjrOutdoorExpo.com.