Chattanooga Officials Plan 2027 Regatta Move To Coolidge Park

fact_check Facts

1. Relevance: primary · Type: action

   Confidence100%

   Officials of the River City Company, the city of Chattanooga, and Hamilton County stated they are working to keep the Head of the Hooch regatta in Chattanooga.

2. Relevance: primary · Type: action

   Confidence100%

   Head of the Hooch officials expressed concerns about changes being made to the Ross's Landing waterfront and the necessity to move the site for one year.

3. Relevance: supporting · Type: background

   Confidence100%

   The Head of the Hooch is described as the Southeast's premier head race.

4. Relevance: supporting · Type: background

   Confidence100%

   The Head of the Hooch draws more than 6,500 athletes from across the nation to Chattanooga each November.

5. Relevance: primary · Type: action

   Confidence100%

   Local officials stated that major renovations planned at Ross's Landing would cause the regatta to shift to the Northshore for one event.

6. Local officials, Local officials

   Relevance: supporting · Type: quote

   Confidence100%

   "Since thousands of Chattanoogans shared their collective vision for the future of our waterfront through the 2022 One Riverfront Chattanooga Plan, River City Company has partnered with the city of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Chattanooga Tourism Co., the Sports & Events Corporation (collectively, the project partners) and large event organizers like The Head of the Hooch (HOTH) to turn our community’s collective vision to life."

7. Local officials, Local officials

   Relevance: supporting · Type: quote

   Confidence100%

   "Together, we are focused on creating a vibrant riverfront that serves our community every day while continuing to host beloved annual events, ensuring the space is welcoming, flexible, and enjoyable for residents, visitors, and event participants alike."

8. Local officials, Local officials

   Relevance: supporting · Type: quote

   Confidence100%

   "River City Company, the city, the county, Chattanooga Tourism Co., and the Sports & Events Corporation strongly desire to keep the annual Head of the Hooch event in our community, which is why they have worked closely with HOTH for years to solicit feedback on how the new design could work with their unique event."

9. Local officials, Local officials

   Relevance: primary · Type: quote

   Confidence100%

   "One of many examples of how much the project partners have sought to lessen the impact of the renovation for the HOTH is that the renovation timeline is intentionally scheduled to begin after the 2026 HOTH and be completed in time for the 2028 HOTH, ensuring that HOTH requires only one year at an alternative location."

10. Relevance: primary · Type: action

    Confidence100%

    River City Company hired event consultant KemperSports to evaluate Coolidge Park as a viable location for the 2027 Head of the Hooch.

11. Local officials, Local officials

    Relevance: primary · Type: quote

    Confidence100%

    "The independent analysis by KemperSports showed that Coolidge Park was a viable alternative site with proper planning, and River City Company and its partners are committed to doing everything possible to ensure Coolidge will work for HOTH."

12. Local officials, Local officials

    Relevance: supporting · Type: quote

    Confidence100%

    "Major investments in our community take time and can cause temporary inconveniences, but there is no reason for the Head of the Hooch to leave the Tennessee River."

13. Local officials, Local officials

    Relevance: supporting · Type: quote

    Confidence100%

    "On the contrary, River City Company, the City, the County, Chattanooga Tourism Co., and The Sports & Events Corporation will continue to do everything possible to ensure the Head of the Hooch continues to call Chattanooga home."

14. Relevance: supporting · Type: event

    Confidence100%

    In 2023, thousands of residents helped shape the One Riverfront Chattanooga Plan.

15. Relevance: supporting · Type: action

    Confidence100%

    From 2023 to 2026, project partners met regularly with Head of the Hooch organizers to understand the event's operational needs and incorporate feedback into the park design.

16. Relevance: supporting · Type: background

    Confidence100%

    The current 90% design includes widened turning areas near the playground to accommodate large rowing shells.

17. Relevance: supporting · Type: background

    Confidence100%

    The current 90% design includes additional power and water connections throughout the park to support race operations and vendors.

18. Relevance: supporting · Type: background

    Confidence100%

    The current 90% design includes minimal changes to Chattanooga Green to preserve the open boat laydown area.

19. Relevance: supporting · Type: action

    Confidence100%

    In 2025, River City Company funded a visit for representatives from the project partners to attend the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston.

20. Relevance: supporting · Type: action

    Confidence100%

    During the 2025 visit to Boston, the group met with Head of the Hooch leadership to discuss opportunities for Chattanooga.

21. Relevance: primary · Type: action

    Confidence100%

    Construction of the riverfront parks is scheduled to begin after the 2026 Head of the Hooch.

22. Relevance: primary · Type: action

    Confidence100%

    Construction of the riverfront parks is scheduled to conclude before the 2028 Head of the Hooch.

23. Relevance: supporting · Type: action

    Confidence100%

    In April 2026, representatives from the project partners met with the Head of the Hooch race director at Coolidge Park.

24. Relevance: supporting · Type: action

    Confidence100%

    Representatives reviewed the proposed site layout, discussed requested modifications, and evaluated a new 675-foot dock and launch area at Coolidge Park.

25. Relevance: supporting · Type: action

    Confidence100%

    Specific design changes were made to the dock and areas under the Market Street Bridge at the request of the Head of the Hooch.

26. Relevance: supporting · Type: action

    Confidence100%

    In May and June 2026, the project partners received a request from Head of the Hooch seeking additional information by August 1.

27. Local officials, Local officials

    Relevance: supporting · Type: quote

    Confidence100%

    "Inspired by public input beginning in 2023 and building upon the legacy of the 21st Century Waterfront, Chattanooga’s riverfront parks will be transformed into a family-friendly, year-round riverfront park corridor that invites residents and visitors to enjoy the Scenic City’s intimate connection to the Tennessee River."

28. Local officials, Local officials

    Relevance: supporting · Type: quote

    Confidence100%

    "Major new features will include two new restaurants, sports courts, public art, public restrooms, spaces for food-and-beverage kiosks, and an improved pier and infrastructure for waterfront recreation and programming."

29. Local officials, Local officials

    Relevance: supporting · Type: quote

    Confidence100%

    "The landscape will be softened with native shade trees and unique seating options, including swings and picnic nooks."