08/26/2026
An update for our community 📝
As reported by the Chattanooga Times Free Press, organizers have named Columbus, Georgia as the regatta's backup location if a workable solution can't be found to keep the race in Chattanooga. Nothing is decided yet, and a final call is expected by October 1st, with Chattanooga the preferred location.
Why: Ross's Landing is closing for 18 months for a $40 million riverfront redevelopment. The North Shore is the in-city alternative, but it adds an estimated $145,000 in costs and less room for boats and spectators.
Friends of the H***h President Kerry Brown told the Times Free Press: "They are our backup if we are unable to find a successful outcome in Chattanooga."
Columbus sits on the Chattah***hee, where the H***h began before moving to Chattanooga in 2005. The city offers wide sloping lawns, large parking lots, and a riverwalk running the full length of the waterway, and organizers say its ability to host high-quality water-based events would let the regatta grow. Columbus is already set to host the International Canoe Federation's 2028 Canoe Freestyle World Cup and 2029 Canoe Freestyle World Championship.
This regatta has called the Tennessee River home since 2005, bringing 2,200+ boats, 6,200+ athletes, and 20,000+ spectators to Chattanooga in 2025 alone, and nearly $12 million in economic impact.
It is our hope to stay here, but should we have to move, Columbus, GA will be where we go.
Full story: https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/aug/25/head-of-the-h***h-could-move-to-columbus-georgia/
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Organizers of one of the largest rowing regattas in the nation could choose Columbus, Georgia, over Chattanooga due to an impending closure of the downtown riverfront.
