The USRowing RowFest National Championships will return to Ford Lake Park in Ypsilanti Township July 11–19, 2026, bringing thousands of athletes and visitors back to the Ann Arbor region.
A new economic impact study released by Destination Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Sports Commission shows the 2025 event generated $7.2 million in economic impact. The 10-day championship welcomed thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and spectators from across the country and abroad, driving $5.8 million in direct visitor spending, along with 6,792 hotel room nights, $332,494 in tax revenue, and supporting an estimated 55 hospitality jobs.
Hosted at the EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake in Ypsilanti Township, the event marked the first national championship held on Michigan’s first and only Olympic-caliber rowing course, positioning the Ann Arbor region as a destination for major rowing competitions.
“RowFest filled hotel rooms, restaurants, and shops while showcasing Ford Lake as a national championship rowing venue,” said Meaghan Hughes, Director of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission. “The success of this event demonstrates that our community can host world-class competitions and positions the Ann Arbor area to attract even more high-profile rowing events in the future.”
RowFest 2025 drew 6,838 participants and spectators, with 85% staying overnight and nearly 64% visiting the area for the first time. Visitors stayed an average of 3.9 nights and spent approximately $397 per travel party per day, with the largest share of spending going toward lodging and dining.
The championship was also the largest rowing event ever hosted in Michigan and the second largest event conducted by USRowing by athlete entries, demonstrating the region’s ability to support large-scale national governing body competitions.
The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake is a 2,000-meter, eight-lane championship venue designed by the engineer behind the 1984 and 1996 Olympic rowing venues. Developed through a partnership between Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti Township, Destination Ann Arbor, and the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, the course represents a major new sports tourism asset for the region.
As Michigan’s first and only Olympic-caliber rowing venue and one of just 13 championship-level courses in the United States, Ford Lake now enables the state to host major rowing competitions for the first time.
“Hosting RowFest was a reflection of Eastern Michigan University's leadership in building partnerships that strengthen the region and advance our mission of community engagement,” said Scott Wetherbee, Director of Athletics, Eastern Michigan University. “Part of the vision for the EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake was to create opportunities that drive economic growth, attract visitors, and position Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township as a destination for major sporting events. We are incredibly grateful to USRowing for taking a chance with us in our first year, and their confidence helped validate that vision. The success of this event affirmed Ford Lake's capacity to deliver world-class competition. We value the collaboration with Destination Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, and the Charter Township of Ypsilanti that made this possible, and are proud to see our campus and community working together to achieve lasting impact.”
USRowing also praised the venue and community support.
“The Rowing Course at Ford Lake stood out with its excellent course, smooth operations, and incredible community support,” said Sarah McAuliffe, Senior Director of Programs at USRowing. “We’re excited to continue growing this partnership in the years ahead.”
Beyond the competition, RowFest also introduced new audiences to the sport through public Learn to Row sessions, volunteer opportunities, and community events held throughout the week.
Local officials noted the broader regional impact.
“RowFest brought meaningful economic benefits to Ypsilanti Township and the surrounding communities,” said Justin Hodge, Washtenaw County Commissioner for District 5. “It was a great example of regional partners working together, and we’re excited to see the event return in 2026.”
The Economic Impact Study was conducted by Future Partners and included on-site and online surveys of event attendees. An infographic summarizing topline results (economic impact, visitor spending, hotel room nights, and tax revenue) accompanies this release. For a summary of findings and the accompanying infographic, visit: https://www.annarbor.org/industry/
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About the Ann Arbor Sports Commission
The Ann Arbor Sports Commission, a division of Destination Ann Arbor, is dedicated to creating and hosting world-class sporting events that provide opportunities for athletes and make a positive impact in the community. As a full-service sports commission, we produce elite events and develop long-term partnerships throughout the industry and community through exceptional service. For more information, visit AnnArborSports.org.
CONTACT:
Chad Wiebesick
Director of Media Relations
(734) 995-7281
cwiebesick@annarbor.org
