West Michigan to Host USRowing Masters National Championships

USRowing is pleased to announce that the 2019 USRowing Masters National Championships will be held August 15-18 in Grand Rapids, Mich., in partnership with the West Michigan Sports Commission and the West Michigan River Sports Association. The event last took place in Grand Rapids in 2014, the first national rowing event in Michigan.

“It’s a privilege to again host the USRowing Masters National Championships after our successful event in 2014,” said West Michigan Sports Commission President Mike Guswiler. “We value our strong partnership with USRowing, and we’re excited to again showcase Grand Rapids’ wonderful asset of the Grand River in this prestigious event that draws the best rowers from across the country.”

Known as “Beer City, USA,” a collection of local craft breweries aim to make the beer garden at the event the “Best Beer Garden in Rowing.” The beer garden will provide both natural riverside viewing of the regatta action, plus close-up viewing on monitors covering the course. Beer lover or not, Grand Rapids is sure to impress as the racecourse is only three miles from downtown, home to a plethora of restaurants, breweries and shops.

In cooperation with the city and with volunteer assistance from members of the Grand Rapids Rowing Association, the event will be held in Riverside Park, Grand Rapids’ largest city park. Attendees and spectators can enjoy 250 acres of wooded landscape, pathways and great views of the Grand River. A 1,000-meter, six-lane buoyed course will begin south of boat ramp #2 (Guild Street), with the finish line at boat ramp #1 (Knapp Street).

In 2014, the event was a major factor in helping Grand Rapids Rowing raise enough funding to keep its boathouse. That, along with Detroit Boat Club’s 175th anniversary celebration, proved to put Michigan on the map of rowing in the United States. In 2019, thousands of competitors and spectators are anticipated over the four days, providing an economic impact of more than $2 million for the region, and ensuring the continuation of the growth of rowing in Grand Rapids.

“USRowing is excited to be heading back to Grand Rapids in 2019,” said Patrick McNerney, USRowing Chief Executive Officer. “In 2014, Grand Rapids provided a great experience for our masters athletes, both on and off the water, and we look forward to working with the West Michigan Sports Commission and West Michigan River Sports Association in creating an even better event this coming year.”

Visit USRowing for more information on the Masters Series.

About the West Michigan Sports Commission: The non-profit West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) identifies, secures and hosts a diverse level of youth and amateur sporting events to positively impact the economy and quality of life in the region. Since its inception in 2007, the WMSC has booked 719 sporting events and tournaments that attracted more than 1.2 million athletes and visitors, generating $338 million in direct visitor spending. For more information, visit westmisports.com and Facebook.com/WestMichiganSportsCommission and follow @WestMiSports.