2017 World Rowing Championships: What To Know Before You Go

SARASOTA, FL – Even though Hurricane Irma tried its best to spoil the party, everything is on track for the Sarasota-Bradenton area to host the 2017 World Rowing Championships. The event begins Saturday with racing to start on Sunday.

The nine-day event will host crews from 60 different countries on what has been dubbed “America’s Course,” Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. Aside from the races themselves, the 2017 World Rowing Championships will be a celebration of the sport itself.

Here’s what area residents and visitors from around the world need to know before you go to the 2017 World Rowing Championships:

Days and Times

The 2017 World Rowing Championships will take place from Saturday, Sept. 23 to Sunday, Oct. 1. The event will begin on Sept. 23 with Opening Ceremonies, which is free and open to the public, and the Fan Expo while racing begins on Sunday, Sept. 24.

Location

The event will take place at Nathan Benderson Park, located at 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle in Sarasota. Opened for organized regatta competitions in 2009, Nathan Benderson Park is a 600-acre community park with public access to a 400-acre lake. The park’s centerpiece is the permanent FISA Class A 2,000-meter sprint rowing and training course.

Tickets

Single tickets range from $10 for a 1 Day Pass for General Admission to $125 for a 1 Day Pass for VIP tickets. Tickets for the Grandstand start at $15 and the Championship Pavilion start at $30. Beach Seats are $30 per day. Two-day, four-day and eight-day passes are available.

Accessible seating is available in the Sarasota Memorial Grandstand and the Championship Pavilion.

Discounted tickets are available through group sales, while Universal Orlando Resort, Papa John’s Pizza and Enterprise Rent-a-Car are offering specials and promotions surrounding the 2017 World Rowing Championships.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://wrch2017.com/tickets/.

Parking

Spectator parking is available at 20 University Town Center Drive, adjacent to the south end of the Mall at University Town Center. Parking is $5 per vehicle and is cash only on site and exact change is preferred. There is no overnight parking available. To purchase parking in advance or to purchase a $45 weeklong pass, visit https://wrch17.pmreserve.com/.

Public Transportation

The 2017 World Rowing Championships partnered with Sarasota County Area Transit and Manatee County Area Transit to provide bus service to the event. The event is offering a Weeklong Pass (7 days) for $20 per person and $10 per person for people 65 years and older. Daily passes can be purchased on board buses with cash only.

The drop off station is the Cattleman Road Bus Station, 500 N. Cattleman Road. To purchase a bus pass, visit https://tickets.wrch2017.com/.

Directions

The two-major north-south roads that provide access to Nathan Benderson Park: Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 41 (Tamiami Trial in Sarasota).

To Regatta Island from the north:

• From I-75, take University Parkway, Exit 213
• Drive west on University Parkway or from U.S. Highway 41, drive east on University Parkway
• Turn south (left from I-75, right from U.S. 41) onto North Cattleman Road
• Dive approximately 0.5 mile or 0.8 kilometer, following the signs and through three roundabouts
• Continue south to Regatta Island
• Rowing facility is on the right

To Regatta Island from the south:

• From I-75, take Fruitville Road, Exit 201
• Drive west on Fruitville Road or from U.S. Highway 41, drive east on Friutville Road
• Turn north (right from I-75, left from U.S. 41) on North Cattleman Road
• Dive approximately 2.2 or 3.5 kilmoeters to Regatta Island
• Rowing facility is on the left

Opening Ceremonies

The free, non-ticketed Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, Sept. 23 will pay homage to the nearly 2,000 participating rowers and the countries they represent while telling the story of Florida’s Suncoast. Acts scheduled to appear include:

• Circus Sarasota (Circus Arts Conservatory and Sailor Circus)
• Jah Movement Reggae Band
• Sarasota Cuban Ballet School
• Sarasota Pops Orchestra
• Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show Team
• Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Public Race Schedule and Boat Classes

Click here to see the full list of 2017 World Rowing Championship races and a look at the boat classes that will be seen during the event.

Fan Fest and In The Community

During the first eight days of the 2017 World Rowing Championships, the Fan Festival will highlight the sport of rowing, local attractions and other related topics.

Saturday, Sept. 23

Family Fun Day – Vendors will be on site with products and experiences for the whole family.

more than 70 vendors and is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday.

Sunday, Sept. 24

Pet Day – Rescue agencies will be on site with both pets available for adoption and toys for pets.

Monday, Sept. 25

Eco-Day – Vendors will educate attendees about sustainability and protecting the planet.

Tuesday, Sept. 26

Farmer’s Market – The farmer’s market comes to Nathan Benderson Park, with vendors offering fresh produce and other locally produce products.

Wednesday, Sept. 27

Military Appreciation Day – Vendors will educate attendees about the military and how to help veterans and those who serve.

Thursday, Sept. 28

Golden Ages/Service Day – Event organizers pay homage to the thousands of seniors living the community and the contributions they make to the Sarasota-Bradenton area.

Friday, Sept. 29

Local Attractions – Find camera-worthy opportunities when representatives from the area’s attractions visit the World Rowing Championships.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Boating and Fishing – Celebrating all things boating fishing by learning tips from the pros and purchasing tackle from vendors (or even a new boat).

For more information about the event, including the competing countries, racing schedules, accommodations and more, visit http://wrch2017.com.

Images and video via 2017 World Rowing Championships YouTube channel