If you have been to any summer events at Nathan Benderson Park then you know.
It’s way too hot for summer events.
I was recently at the Nationals for high school rowing. This is the second time I have been there for nationals, and it was the same thing both times. The venue is just too hot for it to even be enjoyable.
I’m not really sure why they make everyone go to Sarasota for what seems like almost every major rowing event either.
Let’s get into it.
Nathan Benderson Park Is A Great Venue
Nathan Benderson Park is undeniably one of the top venues for rowing. Designed specifically for the sport, it boasts one of the best 2k courses in the world.
The park features a camera track for excellent live streaming shots and a tower for optimal viewing and announcing. Its layout ensures smooth transitions for boats finishing and launching, enhancing the overall experience.
Additionally, the ongoing development of an indoor multi-sport complex, complete with basketball and volleyball courts, a boathouse, and more park infrastructure, will only elevate the venue further. It’s clear that
Nathan Benderson Park is a premier destination for rowing and will soon offer even more to athletes and visitors alike. If only the rowing could be indoors too.
The Negatives of Nathan Benderson Park
The Summer
It’s a great facility, but there are some negatives.
The biggest negative is obviously the summer heat. It’s not really fun for the rowers or the spectators to bake like a Thanksgiving turkey when attending events there in the summer.
Spectators become more concerned with trying to stay cool rather than watching the event. They will generally just watch the one race their child or team is in and then seek shelter from the heat.
It would be fun to be able to watch all of the events but that is pretty much impossible in that heat.
With average daily temperatures in the summer at 90 degrees and humidity through the roof, it’s just not ideal.
Not Centrally Located
I know this doesn’t usually happen, but it sure would be nice if national sporting events were centrally located, especially at the amateur level. Forcing everyone to travel to Sarasota every year doesn’t seem fair to the rest of the country, especially those on the West Coast.
Oklahoma has a nice course (although that can be pretty hot, too),So does Bethel, Ohio, outside of Cincinnati. Cincinnati also has cooler temps as well.
I know Bethal just had the NCAA Rowing Championships, great to see. Unfortunately it seems like major rowing events held outside of Nathan Benderson Park are few and far between.
I know. They say they rotate the venues. But it seems like almost every year, everything winds up in Sarasota. Not much of a rotation.
Maybe someone should build one in Iowa. Cheap land and centrally located, I won’t hold my breath on that though.
Parking
There is ample parking, but it isn’t right at the facility. You will have to park in their lot and walk to the park.
And by the time you get to the lot, you are already roasting like a rotisserie chicken.
There is a shuttle from the lot to the facility, but you will roast just the same while waiting for that. It only saves you the walking.
The parking isn’t free either like it is at most other venues. It’s $10 a day to park. They used to have free parking and a shuttle from the lot at the end of the park where the starting line is, but those days are over.
Prices
If you were at Youth Nationals this past weekend, you may have noticed that the prices have gone up dramatically.
It’s now up to $96 for the 4-day pass and that’s the only option unless you want to go with the $430 VIP Package.
You can’t just buy a ticket for one day, either. It’s the four-day package or nothing. There is no in-between.
To be fair, it could be US Rowing that is setting these prices and not Nathan Benderson Park. Or it could be a combination of both.
I’m not sure but it’s just another thing that has significantly raised prices.
Lambeau Field Doesn’t Host The Superbowl
The iconic Lambeau Field. One of the best venues for football. It never hosts the Super Bowl.
Why?
It’s too dang cold! Both players and spectators would hate it and it would make it unenjoyable for them. (it would make for good TV though)
It’s a great venue any time of year aside from winter.
Much like Nathan Benderson Park. It’s a great venue for the winter-spring and fall. Unfortunately it’s like a convection oven in the summer.
Wrap Up
While Nathan Benderson Park is undoubtedly a premier venue for rowing, its extreme summer heat poses significant challenges for both participants and spectators.
The park’s design and facilities are top-notch, making it one of the best 2k courses in the world, but the sweltering conditions during major events detract from the overall experience.
Additionally, the location’s lack of centrality and increased costs add to the inconvenience, making it less accessible and enjoyable for many. Just as Lambeau Field is avoided for the Super Bowl due to harsh winter conditions, perhaps it’s time to reconsider hosting summer rowing events at Nathan Benderson Park.
A rotation that includes cooler, more centrally located venues could ensure a more comfortable and fair experience for all involved.
