Canoe Sprint Committee visits the most modern canoe sprint training centre and venue

Oklahoma City welcomed the ICF Canoe Sprint Committee to the Boathouse District on the Oklahoma River, a potential site for future ICF events.

Located in the American heartland, Oklahoma City has developed an urban racing venue

Image Located in the American heartland, Oklahoma City has developed an urban racing venue

The new venue rivals the best courses – and facilities – in the world. The Oklahoma River offers a 1000m, 500m and 200m race course, the world-class $10 million Devon Boathouse, the $3.5 million Chesapeake Boathouse and, to be opened in July, the $5 million Chesapeake Finish Line Tower. Additional plans for the venue include construction of at least two more boathouses, permanent lighting for night racing, a wind screen, grandstands, race course infrastructure and a $25 million whitewater kayaking center. It is the only river in the United States to be designated a US Olympic & Paralympic Training Site.

The venue is known as the Boathouse District and is located adjacent to the city’s downtown and Bricktown Entertainment District, an area that offers hotels, restaurants and entertainment within walking distance of the Oklahoma River. 

 http://boathousedistrict.org/boathouses

Community support for both the development and events is strong

Canoe Sprint Committee and hosts met Oklahoma State Governor Mary Fallin
Zoom
Canoe Sprint Committee and hosts met Oklahoma State Governor Mary Fallin

During the visit to Oklahoma City, ICF committee members met with Oklahoma State Governor Mary Fallin who underscored the state’s commitment to supporting the athletes and events coming to the new Boathouse District. The citizens of Oklahoma City have funded many of the improvements to the Oklahoma River with a one-cent sales tax, and private companies in the community have invested nearly $30 million in the boathouses and finish line tower.

As a final note, ICF committee members also had the opportunity to meet with representatives from Virtual Spectator, an international company that specializes in virtual sports visualization for spectators both onsight and on the web. The OKC Boathouse Foundation is working closely with Virtual Spectaotr to ensure the newest camera and boat tracking technology is being incorporated into the venue.  
 

 
< Back