2017 World Rowing Championships Organizers Project Huge Numbers for Event

BRADENTON – Now just 184 days out from the first competition at the Benderson Rowing facility, organizers position themselves for the activities that have been four years in the making.

At Tuesday's Joint Manatee/Sarasota Commissioner work session, members received an update on the preparation and timelines for the world class event. The 2017 World Rowing Championships (WRC 2017) Executive Director, Meredith Scerba, delivered the update and enthusiasms to the commissioners, organizing committee members and press that were in attendance.

WRC expects there to be more than 1,700 athletes from 60 countries that will attract 41,000-plus rowing fans over the eight days of events adding up to $25 million of economic impact and ticket sales that are expected to exceed one million dollars.

Scerba displayed some of the merchandise that will be available and advised everyone that wants the event to be a success to start buying it now.

The targeted marketing campaign included the Florida Scholastic Rowing Association (FSRA), which is comprised of 39 Florida youth organizations amounting to 2,000 youth rowers, their parents and coaches.

Scerba thanked community organizations that have collaborated with FSRA to bring it all together. She thanked Ecko Tours, USF, MOTE Marine Laboratory, Sarasota Bay Watch, Florida Sports Foundation and both Sarasota and Manatee County.

Scerba presented a list of the daily themes and calendar of events, a map of venues and overall park view.

There will be a daily capacity of 3,000 seating plus 150 beach seats.

There will be lots of competition, special events, wine and dining and task forces for everything from emergency services to security. There will be plenty of parking and transport vehicles available.

See you at the races.