Sarasota to Host 2020 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Rowing Trials

U.S. Rowing has selected Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida, to host the 2020 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Team Trials – Rowing. The event will be staged in April 2020 and will determine the teams the U.S. will send to the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games in Tokyo. The rowing venue also hosted the trials in 2016.

“We are excited to bring the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Team Trials – Rowing back to Sarasota-Bradenton,” said U.S. Rowing Chief Executive Officer Patrick McNerney. “Nathan Benderson Park is a world-class facility that will provide our Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls everything they need in their quest to make the 2020 team. Hosting the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Team Trials – Rowing in Sarasota is the next building block, as we continue to develop our long-term relationship. We’d like to thank Visit Sarasota and all of our partners in Sarasota-Bradenton for supporting this event.”

The exact rowing classes that will be featured at the event will be determined at a later date. In 2016, the trials featured racing in nine boat classes.

Nathan Benderson Park has hosted several other international and national rowing events including the 2017 World Rowing Championships and the 2018 World Rowing Masters Regatta In July, it will host the 2019 World Rowing Under 23 Championships.

“We are honored to host this prestigious event for the second time in Sarasota,” said Shelby Connett, sports director of Visit Sarasota County. “Visit Sarasota County stands ready to assist (park owner) Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates and U.S. Rowing in welcoming our nation’s top rowers and celebrate future Olympians and Paralympians.”