2026 IRC Rowing Events
This Year's Events:
Indy Junior Sprints - 5/2/26 Sculling & 5/3/26 Sweeping
Big Ten Women's Rowing Championships - 5/15-5/17
Indy Summer Sprints for Masters - 6/20/26
Volunteers Needed:
Volunteers are essential to every regatta and help make race day safe, fair, and enjoyable for rowers, coaches, teams, and spectators. Whether you are an experienced rower or brand new to the sport, volunteering is a great way to support IRC, spend time outdoors at Eagle Creek, and be part of an exciting event.
Each event includes a variety of roles, along with the experience level required. Many positions require no prior experience, while a few call for specific skills.
Most regatta days are divided into morning and afternoon shifts, with a short overlap to ensure each position stays covered. If you would like to volunteer all day, you are welcome to sign up for both shifts.
After you sign up, you will receive job-specific instructions from the regatta approximately two days before the event. Training and support will also be available on race day.
Thank you for helping make IRC’s regatta season a success.
MACRA
Midwest Club and College Teams
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April 25 – Set Up
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April 26 – Race Day
Indy Junior Sprints
Middle school and high school rowers from the Midwest
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May 1 – Set Up
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May 2 – Race Day (Sculling)
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May 3 – Race Day (Sweep)
Women’s Big Ten Championships
Big Ten teams racing for the championship and the right to compete at the NCAA Championship
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May 11 – Set Up
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May 12 – Set Up
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May 13 – Set Up
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May 14 – Set Up
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May 15 – Official Practice Day
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May 16 – Race Day Heats and Practice
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May 17 – Race Day and Awards
Indy Summer Sprints
Adult athletes from the Midwest and Southeast
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June 19 – Set Up
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June 20 – Race Day
Venue Description
The Indianapolis Rowing Center is a premier Midwest destination for rowing enthusiasts and athletes alike. At the crossroads of America, it is easily accessible by teams across the country, with easy access to one of the nation’s best-rated airports, large free-moving freeways, and dozens of hotel options for all budgets. Nestled inside picturesque Eagle Creek Park, the facility offers:
- Class A USRowing-certified course
- 8-lane, fully buoyed Albano course with shore-based tensioning and alignment
- Four-story permanent finish tower with climate control and an accessible roof
- EZDocks capable of launching eight 8+ shells and retrieving six 8+ shells simultaneously
- Controlled body of water with no other boat traffic
- 300m × 1500m warm-up/cool-down area adjacent to the course
- Fleet of wakeless launches and jon boats
- Floating start tower
- Adjustable starting platform
- Large two-bay boathouse
- Bus parking and trailer parking for 60+ teams
- Ample natural shade from old-growth trees
- Close-up spectator viewing for the final 250 meters
- A volunteer pool experienced in hosting 4–6 large regattas per year
History
In 1984, Indianapolis committed to building a rowing course in the north pool of the reservoir and submitted a bid to host the World Rowing Championships. Development of the course was fast-tracked when Indianapolis was unexpectedly awarded the 1987 Pan American Games after Cuba was unable to host. The success of the Pan American Games regatta led to Indianapolis being awarded the 1994 World Rowing Championships.
The rowing course at Eagle Creek has hosted numerous national and regional championships and remains one of the country’s premier rowing venues.
The Indianapolis Rowing Center now hosts multiple events throughout the year at its facility in Eagle Creek Park, drawing junior, collegiate, and masters rowers to the Indianapolis area. The venue supports a wide range of rowing events for athletes of all levels and has a long history of hosting national and international championships.
Events HostedWorld Rowing Championships – 1994
Pan American Games – 1987
National Sports Festival – 1982
NCAA National Rowing Championships - 2019, 2014, 2013, 2003, 2002
Big Ten Women’s Rowing Championships - 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025, 2026, 2027
USRowing Championships
- USRowing Club National Championships – 2011
- USRowing Midwest Masters Regional Championships – 2004, 2007, 2009
- USRowing Masters National Championships – 2003, 2023
- USRowing National Championships – 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006