RegattaCentral

The Head of the Oklahoma was conceived to become the premier event on Oklahoma City's revitalized riverfront and the top fall family attraction in Central Oklahoma.  The inaugural 2004 Head of the Oklahoma commemorated the Oklahoma City University centennial and drew over 10,000 spectators and 400 athletes, becoming the largest event in Oklahoma City University history.  The event debuted a unique combination of head racing with 500 meter  super sprints around a one day festival that included live music, children's activities and an arts festival.  Competition included Harvard, the University of Virginia, the University of Texas, and over a dozen other universities. 

The 2005 Head of the Oklahoma built upon the success of the inaugural year, drawing approximately 25,000 spectators and over 900 athletes with an additional day of competiion. Harvard returned and new participants included the United States Naval Academy and the United States National Team women's four featuring Olympic gold medalists.  The event expanded the popular family attractions, adding the St. Anthony Regatta Walk in addition to a lauch Jumbotron and expanded arts festival.  High winds and staging challenges posed from the construction of the Chesapeake Boathouse made conditions difficult, but the event received great reviews from competitors and the Rowing News proclaimed Oklahoma City as "America's Next Great Rowing City."