Rick Karcher Faculty Athletic Representative | Eastern Michigan Athletics Website
Rick Karcher Faculty Athletic Representative | Eastern Michigan Athletics Website
USRowing announced Ypsilanti Township as the destination for the 2025 RowFest National Championships. The event, in partnership with the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, Eastern Michigan University (EMU), and Ypsilanti Township, will be held at The Rowing Course on Ford Lake from July 12-20.
"We're thrilled to bring RowFest 2025 to the vibrant greater Ann Arbor community, and The Rowing Course on Ford Lake," said Sarah McAuliffe, USRowing's Director of Competition. "This is one of the Midwest's premiere rowing venues, and competing here will be a first for many of our rowing community. With close proximity to Detroit, and an abundance of local activities and RowFest programming for our attendees, we expect to draw thousands of athletes, coaches, and spectators from over 100 clubs to the eight-day event."
The regatta will feature traditional racing formats for various age groups including youth, under 17, under 23, open, and masters. It will also include sprints, relay races, cash prizes, and unique experiences not found at other regattas.
Off-water activities will provide opportunities for learning and social engagement through events such as Learn to Row sessions, college fairs, celebrations for older participants (Octogenarians), happy hours, and educational classes for coaches.
Meaghan Hughes of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission highlighted the significance of hosting RowFest at Ford Lake: "We are excited to host RowFest 2025 at The Rowing Course on Ford Lake... This event is set to draw thousands of attendees from around the country... As a division of Destination Ann Arbor... this course is the largest in Michigan... contributing to economic growth across Washtenaw County."
Scott Wetherbee from EMU emphasized their role in bringing this venue to life: "Eastern Michigan University... honored and excited to host... This event is a testament to the hard work and vision that brought this state-of-the-art venue to life."
Brenda Stumbo from Ypsilanti Township expressed community pride: "Hosting RowFest 2025 at The Rowing Course on Ford Lake is a tremendous opportunity... We're proud to welcome the national rowing community..."
Competition registration opens in April 2025. More information can be found at https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/rowfest/.
Alerts Sign-up