Nathan Benderson Park to Host Four Major Sporting Events in April

Nathan Benderson Park, in partnership with Visit Sarasota County, announced today a series of back-to-back sporting events scheduled throughout April. The monthlong lineup includes a national-level swimming competition, statewide high school rowing championships, and an international dragon boat festival, all expecting more than 5,600 participants alone and attracting thousands of visitors to the region. These events come as the nationally recognized aquatic sports complex plans to expand its sports tourism offerings by developing new, state-of-the-art indoor facilities. 

“Nathan Benderson Park has become one of the premier venues for rowing and water sports in the entire United States,” said Peter Harvey, director of sports at Visit Sarasota County. “Events like these demonstrate the park’s ability to attract major competitions and welcome athletes from across the country, bringing visitors to Sarasota County and supporting local hotels, restaurants and businesses.”

The April events schedule starts with the USA Swimming Open Water National and Junior National Championships, set for April 2–4, bringing together elite and junior swimmers from across the nation to compete in open water distance races. The Florida Scholastic Rowing Association (FSRA) Sculling Championships will follow from April 11–12, featuring high school rowing teams from around Florida, where they will compete in single, double, and quad sculling events, drawing nearly 1,500 participants.

On April 18, the Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival will return, expecting to draw more than 1,300 participants. The month will conclude with the FSRA State Sweep Championships, taking place April 25–26, with nearly 2,500 participants as Florida’s top scholastic rowing teams compete in sweep rowing events, including pairs, fours, and eights. This event follows an immense eight-year partnership agreement signed last year between the FSRA and Nathan Benderson Park and will be broadcast nationally on RHStv.com.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the FSRA back to Nathan Benderson Park! There is an electric energy that takes over the park when these athletes hit the water, and we are honored to be the home for both their Sculling and Sweep championships not just this year, but for the years to come,” said Bruce Patneaude, COO of Nathan Benderson Park. “Hosting these regattas is about more than just the race to the finish line. It’s about supporting the incredible growth of youth rowing in Florida. Our commitment to providing a world-class stage for these rowers ensures they have the best possible environment to showcase their hard work and passion. We can’t wait to see the banks lined with their friends, family, and fans cheering. We are pleased to host these talented youth competitions and continue this incredible partnership."

Nathan Benderson Park features a 2,000-meter sprint rowing and aquatic sports course and regularly hosts regional, national and international competitions. The continued growth of its sporting events comes as the venue advances plans for a state-of-the-art indoor sports facility and expanded boathouse, a project expected to add roughly 100,000 square feet of versatile hardcourt space for basketball, volleyball and pickleball competitions, alongside upgraded athlete training areas, wellness spaces and spectator amenities. 

For more information, visit www.nathanbendersonpark.org. 

###

About the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy (NBPC):
The Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 business created to manage Nathan Benderson Park, a community/public asset and world-class, multi-use sports venue. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for our community and be an economic generator for our region. The Conservancy’s primary purpose is to develop and promote the park as a world-class event center, team training site and Sarasota County Park, while providing outreach programs through recreation, safety training, education and volunteering as a service to our community. See more at www.nathanbendersonpark.org.  

Media Contact

Pre-Event Interviews

Visit Sarasota County

Elizabeth Knight

[email protected]

941-468-1554

Onsite Interviews

Nathan Benderson Park

Marnie Buchsbaum

[email protected]

305-890-6626