IRC History
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 rowing course remains one of the country’s premiere venues. The first US World Rowing Championships were held here in 1994. The Eagle Creek course has held multiple 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. You can find a list of the regattas and many results here. Regatta History
