SPECTATORS

The 2008 Oklahoma Centennial Regatta Festival combines one of America’s most exciting rowing regattas with family fun on the Oklahoma River!

This year’s Oklahoma Regatta Festival will continue the tradition of athletic excellence as well as exciting annual festival traditions. The luminous blū VIP Party and the OG&E NightSprints will return for the third year. The Corporate Rowing Challenge will take place under the lights Friday evening, and Corporate Dragon Boating will excite participants and spectators.

Returning features include the interactive Olympic Experience, the Children’s Area, the Art Expo, live entertainment, and the expanded Oklahoma Wine Garden. And as always, some of Oklahoma’s finest restaurants will be serving up their best in the Food Court.

At night, spectators will gather along the sprint course as OG&E lights up the sky for 500 meter OG&E NightSprints – the most exciting rowing races you’ll ever see – with spectacular fireworks marking the end of racing.

Festival admission is free. Tickets are required for blū. Free parking and shuttle are provided throughout the weekend.

Festival Hours

• Friday, October 3
  5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – blū (ticket required)
  8 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Corporate Rowing Challenge

• Saturday, October 4
  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Sunday, October 5
  10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

blū and Corporate Rowing Challenge

Friday, October 3
The excitement begins Friday night with blū at the Chesapeake Boathouse. Live music, food from an array of Oklahoma City’s best restaurants, wine tasting and an opportunity to meet some of the nation’s elite rowers promises to make this an evening to remember. As the sun sets, the action moves to the river with the Corporate Rowing Challenge. More than a dozen corporate teams from across Oklahoma City will race under the lights for office bragging rights!

Contact Kelsey Orr for blū tickets and information at (405) 552–4040.

OCU Head of the Oklahoma

Premier Event » Saturday/Sunday, October 4–5
The OCU Head of the Oklahoma is one of the premier collegiate rowing events in the nation and is expected to attract more than 40 crews and 1000+ athletes. Crews will compete in the 2.5 mile head racing during the day, then take to the water that night for 500 meter OG&E NightSprints.

Live Music & Entertainment

You’ll find live music, dance productions, and roving performers providing lively entertainment throughout the weekend.

The Olympic Experience

The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing may be over but the Olympic spirit continues. Visit the interactive Olympic Experience exhibit for live demonstrations and hands–on activities. The Olympic Experience is presented by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the University of Central Oklahoma, a U.S. Olympic Committee Community Partner.

Wine Tasting

Oklahoma wineries from across the state will be on–hand to pour their signature vintages. The Oklahoma Wine Garden presents an array of wines for your tasting pleasure as well as Head of the Oklahoma Commemorative Wines for purchase. Must be 21 years of age.

Children’s Area

Face painting, art activities, safety exhibits and more are offered in the free children’s area. Presented by Central Oklahoma’s source for family activities, MetroFamily Magazine. Looking for a little more excitement? Check out the inflatables for an afternoon of boundless fun!

Art Show

Oklahoma artists celebrate our state with a creative flourish at the annual Oklahoma Regatta Festival Art Show. Browse their offerings and perhaps purchase a piece of fine art to commemorate this extraordinary time in our history.

Food Plaza

Oklahoma City’s best restaurants come together to once again provide festival spectators with food to please everyone’s palate – from traditional plates to the exotic, there’s something for everyone!