Clermont County to host BIG TEN in 2028

BATAVIA TOWNSHIP — The Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau confirmed its successful bid to host the Big Ten Women’s Rowing Championship in 2028. The event will take place between May 13 and 14, 2028, and feature athletes competing for the conference title.

Harsha Lake rests along the Little Miami River at East Fork State Park. It will be the primary site for the Big Ten Women’s Rowing Championship. The lake serves as a bulwark against flooding, provides a water supply for thousands of residents in the county, and is a protected water source for wildlife and recreation.

Ohio State Women's Rowing (Photo: Julio Cortez)

 

 

The lake’s central geographic position in Clermont County makes it an ideal location for traveling fans and residents.

The Championship itself will host 11 teams, totaling around 550 student-athletes from across the country. The area around Harsha Lake will also accommodate the staff, family, and spectators of the event.

According to Discover Clermont, organizers estimate that the weekend will generate around $770,000 in revenue for local hotels, restaurants, and retailers. Business owners should plan for an influx of guests throughout the weekend.

East Fork State Park is no stranger to watersports. The area often hosts regional tournaments, national championships, and collegiate events. Recent titles included the 2024 NCAA Women’s Rowing National Championships, the 2023 U.S. Rowing National Championships, and the ACA Canoe & Kayak National Championships in both 2022 and 2026.

Harsha Lake

Over 2,500 people attended the American Canoe Association (ACA) Sprint National Championships in 2022. The next ACA Championship will take place on July 29 to August 1, 2026, with the potential to draw larger crowds due to Clermont County’s steady growth in recent years.

Interim President of the Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sarah Gleason, praised her team’s work in winning the host bid:

“Securing this championship was the result of tremendous team effort and years of dedication to building Clermont County’s reputation as a premier destination for championship rowing events. We look forward to welcoming the Big Ten’s outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and fans to Clermont County.”

(Photo: Ohio State Buckeyes)

 

 

The teams expected to compete in the Championship include:

• Indiana University

• University of Iowa

• University of Michigan

• Michigan State University

• University of Minnesota

• Ohio State University

• Rutgers University

• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

• University of Southern California

• University of Washington

• University of Wisconsin

The field reflects the conference’s recent expansion, which added UCLA, USC, Washington, and Oregon in 2024. Although Oregon has a club rowing program, it does not sponsor women’s rowing, leaving 11 conference programs eligible to compete in the championship.

Several of those universities maintain strong alumni networks throughout Southwest Ohio, including Ohio State, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan State. Their local graduates and supporters will likely rally attendance and create additional hype as the championship approaches.

Hosting the Big Ten Women’s Rowing Championship strengthens Clermont County’s position as a destination for major sporting events. National and collegiate championships bring visitors who will be able to explore Clermont’s local culture and recreation.

Washington Women's Rowing (Photo: Marc Lebryk)

Discover Clermont will update additional details about the event, including spectator information and volunteer opportunities, as they become available.

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