FOLSOM – One of the nation’s most prestigious collegiate rowing events will return to the Sacramento region in 2026 as the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championship comes to Lake Natoma. The 123rd edition of the historic regatta will be hosted at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center from Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31, 2026, in partnership with presenting sponsors Visit Rancho Cordova and Visit Folsom.
The championship brings together the fastest Division I men’s heavyweight, men’s lightweight, women’s lightweight, and Division III men’s heavyweight crews in the country. It will be the first time in six years that the event returns to the West Coast and the fifth time since 2009 that Lake Natoma has served as host.
“Lake Natoma is one of the premier rowing venues in the country,” said IRA Commissioner Laura Kunkemueller. “The Sacramento State Aquatic Center staff consistently delivers both the infrastructure and the operations to create a top-notch regatta for athletes and coaches. Visit Rancho Cordova and Visit Folsom provide support for all of our competitors and for spectators coming in from outside the area. We are looking forward to working with these teams again to present an excellent championship experience for athletes, coaches and spectators alike.”
Sacramento State Aquatic Center Director Brian Dulgar said the organization is eager to welcome rowers and fans back to the region. “We are honored and excited to be the host of this year’s IRA National Championship and to showcase the oldest collegiate sport in the country,” he said.
Local tourism leaders emphasized both the athletic and economic benefits of the championship. Marc Sapoznik, president and CEO of Visit Rancho Cordova, said the event will have a significant regional impact. “This regatta is bigger than ever before. Bringing back these top-tier collegiate rowers is a huge win for our region, and our collaboration with Visit Folsom makes everything possible. We’ll see significant economic impact to both communities with full hotels, busy restaurants and bustling activity centers as a result of this event.”
Joe Gagliardi, CEO of Choose Folsom, which oversees Visit Folsom, called the championship an opportunity to showcase the city and its hospitality. “We’re honored to welcome the IRA National Championship back to Lake Natoma—one of the nation’s most prestigious rowing events at one of America’s top rowing venues,” Gagliardi said. “This event showcases world-class collegiate athletes and brings tremendous energy and economic impact to our region. Folsom is proud to help create an unforgettable experience for teams, families, and fans.”
Dating back to its founding in 1894, the Intercollegiate Rowing Association hosts the nation’s oldest collegiate national championship. The regatta crowns heavyweight and lightweight national champions and awards the James Ten Eyck Memorial Trophy to the overall team points winner. Women’s lightweight racing was added in 1997, and in 2022 a Division III championship was introduced.
Lake Natoma’s reputation as one of America’s best rowing venues has made it a sought-after location for major regattas. The return of the IRA National Championship is expected to attract thousands of athletes, coaches, families and fans to the Sacramento region, adding to a long list of prestigious sporting events that have chosen the waters just outside Folsom.
For more information on the 2026 IRA National Championship, visit the official IRA website or contact Kayleigh Durm at kayleigh@irarowing.com.
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