RegattaCentral

MACRA History:

The MACRA Regatta was founded in the spring of 1965 by the Purdue University Crew Club to foster rowing in the Midwest. Since the founding of the Association, the regatta has moved throughout the Midwest. The membership voted to hold the 2006 and 2008 regatta in Athens, Ohio. In 2006 the coaches voted to alternate the MACRA between a north and south venue on an alternating year basis. This year (2013) it is in the south and we are hopeful that everyone stays involved in an event that was built by famous coaches like the late Ralph Lindamood at Marietta College and by many other crews throughout the Midwest.

Indianapolis Rowing Center (IRC) history:

IRC is very fortunate to row in Eagle Creek Park, the 4th largest city park in the nation. The park consists of 3,900 acres of wooded terrain and meadows, and 1,300 acres of water. There is a fee for entering the park ($5/car for Marion County residents, $6/car for non-Marion County, or $3/biker or hiker)…rowers and parents are not exempt. The park fee will be collected even if you are just coming to pick up your child from practice. The park offers season passes at the Park Office (7840 W. 56th St.) or at the park entrances.

The Indianapolis Rowing Center was founded in the early 1980s when the City of Indianapolis was actively promoting amateur sports as an economic development strategy. The first rowing event was held in conjunction with the 1982 National Sports Festival and was followed in 1983 with Indianapolis’ first National Championship Regatta. These initial events were held at the south end of Eagle Creek Reservoir (the finish line was located where Rick’s Café Boatyard is now). The success of these events led to the founding of the Rowing Center and the plan to develop a world-class rowing course at Eagle Creek.

In 1984 Indianapolis made the commitment to build a rowing course in the north pool of the reservoir and to bid for the World Rowing Championships. The development of the rowing course was fast tracked when Indianapolis was unexpectedly awarded the 1987 Pan American Games after it was determined that Cuba was unable to host the games. The success of the Pan American Games regatta led to Indianapolis being awarded the 1994 World Rowing Championships, the first (and so far only) time that the event was held in the United States.

The rowing course remains one of the country’s premiere venues. The Eagle Creek course has held fifteen (16) USRowing National Championships, numerous Olympic, Pan-Am and National Team trial regattas as well as NCAA National Championships, Big Ten Women’s Rowing Championships and regional collegiate, junior and masters events.

The purpose of the Indianapolis Rowing Center is to be a community rowing program with opportunities for all ages. The junior (high school) program is open to any high school student in the Indianapolis area. We offer Learn to Row programs for people of all ages, fitness levels, and capabilities. The Summer Rowing Program are for those who simply like to get some exercise in a beautiful environment. The Masters Program is for those who wish to compete regularly in organized age group competitions. Other groups that currently row out of the Indianapolis boathouse include Butler University, and Culver Alumni.