University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee To Host 2020 NCAA Rowing Championships
April 28, 2017 | Rowing
KNOXVILLE, TENN. – The University of Tennessee in partnership with Oak Ridge Rowing Association (ORRA) has been selected to host the 2020 NCAA Divisions I, II, and III Women’s Rowing Championships on May 28 -31, 2020.
The NCAA awards the privilege of hosting the championship several years in advance so communities may work collaboratively with the NCAA to create positive experiences for its student-athletes, fans, and participating institutions.
“The University of Tennessee is excited to host the NCAA Rowing Championships again in partnership with Oak Ridge Rowing Association,” said Tennessee Associate Athletic Director Angie Boyd Keck. “The venue and racecourse at Oak Ridge is one of the best in the country. When we hosted in 2007 the feedback was overwhelmingly positive from the coaches and student-athletes, and we look forward to hosting another incredible championship.”
This will mark the third time Oak Ridge has hosted a women’s collegiate championship. In 1980 Oak Ridge had the distinction of being the host venue for the first women’s collegiate rowing championship. Most recently, they hosted the NCAA Championships in 2007.
“We are thrilled to have been chosen as the host venue for the 2020 NCAA Rowing Women’s Championships,” said Sarah McAuliffe, ORRA Regatta Director.
When hosting the NCAA Rowing Championships, Oak Ridge will welcome 32 teams across three NCAA divisions.
“Thirty-two teams will come to Oak Ridge to compete for the national championship of their respective division,” said Lisa Kendall, Director of Sales for Explore Oak Ridge. “We will be ready to welcome athletes and fans hopefully playing a part in creating memories that will last a lifetime for these student-athletes.”
The NCAA received more than 3,000 bid submissions from NCAA member schools, conferences, sports commissions and cities vying to host predetermined rounds for 86 of the NCAA’s 90 championships. Criteria for selecting the host sites included creating what will be an exceptional experience for the student-athletes, along with adherence to NCAA bid specifications.
“We are honored that the NCAA has chosen our area to be the home for the 2020 NCAA Rowing Championships”, states Chad Culver Visit Knoxville Sports Commission Director. “Partnering with Oak Ridge to create more lanes so that we could be a competing destination for such a prestigious event is great for Knoxville and our region."
