8,600 Rowers in Scenic City

Nearly 9,000 rowers will take to the Tennessee River this weekend for the 29th annual Head of the Hooch regetta.  It is the largest such competition in the southeast and the second largest in the country.  And the ripple effect of their visit will be felt far beyond the banks.

Thursday morning, there was plenty of activity along the Riverfront Parkway... workers putting up tents, tarps and trash cans.  But come Friday, the activity moves to the Tennessee River.  The calm waters will give way to competition.  "We're expecting 12,000 folks staying overnight in the hotel rooms and about 8,600 athletes," says Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Vice President of Sales and Marketing Steve Genovesi.

That is about a 25% increase over last year.  Each person will be pouring money into our area.  "We're estimating about $4.3 million," says Genovesi.  "That's people staying in hotels, eating at restaurants, and going to attractions while they're not rowing."

Five years ago, this regatta moved to Chattanooga after outgrowing its home in Atlanta.  Chattanooga's 21st Century Waterfront, attractions, and hotels all played a part.  Now, despite the economic downturn, athletes are still among those still spending.  "During these times they still have a commitment to their sport," Genovesi says.  "They hear great things and they want to support their kids."

And for the first time, women will out-number men on the water.  Of the 8,600 rowers, 53% are females.  But all of them will be treated as guests, because you never know when they may decide to come in for a weekend and stay a little longer.  "Anybody visiting Chattanooga is a tourist," says Genovesi.  "We hope they go back impressed and thinking 'Well maybe I could live here, maybe I could move my business here'."

And while all those tourists will be spending their money here, it is free to watch them.  Organizers suggest viewing from the Chattanoga Pier, Ross' Landing, the Tennessee Riverpark and Coolidge Park.

Rowing begins Saturday at 8 a.m. but events begin Friday including a "Learn to Row" clinic.  A $10 donation to the Susan G. Komen foundation will get you a rowing lesson.

For a complete list of events, check out www.headofthehooch.org.