San Diego Hosts Crew Classic

San Diego Hosts Crew Classic

Held April 6-7, 2013 on the waters of picturesque Mission Bay, more than 4,400 rowers converge each spring in San Diego for the San Diego Crew Classic.

Event Draws Rowers from Throughout The Nation

More than 4,400 collegiate, junior and master-level rowers converge each spring in San Diego for the San Diego Crew Classic. Held April 6-7, 2013 on the waters of picturesque Mission Bay, this thrilling competition draws rowers and spectators from throughout the United States.

With the excitement of rowing races complemented by sunny skies and warm temperatures, the San Diego Crew Classic provides a perfect backdrop for a spring getaway to San Diego. During spring, guests can experience a wide variety of seasonal events, discounted hotel rates and the region's popular attractions.

San Diego Crew Classic

Over 4,400 athletes from more than 126 universities, clubs and high school programs from across the United States, participate in this premier rowing event, with rowers ranging in age from 14 to 84 years old. For many rowers, the San Diego Crew Classic is the highlight of their competitive rowing careers and also tests the competitive skills of potential future Olympians.

In addition to the race, the San Diego Crew Classic offers a festival with music, art exhibit, trade show, alumni and corporate tents, food vendors and the popular Karl Strauss Beer Garden. The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Family Festival area caters to families with kids, and a massive Jumbotron offers a perfect view for the start of the races. Practice for the races occurs on Friday, April 5. The racing tentatively begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and continues until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Ticket prices for the San Diego Crew Classic and Family Festival are $12 in advance (order online at crewclassic.org) and $15 on the day of the event; admission is free for active military with ID and children under 12 years old.

For a complete schedule of the races and more information about the San Diego Crew Classic, visit www.crewclassic.org.

Row Away With Hotel Savings

During the San Diego Crew Classic, visitors to San Diego can find a variety of hotels offering specials rates for participants and spectators. The Crew Classic is partnering with more than 20 San Diego hotels in a wide range of properties, from budget-friendly to luxuriously appointed, to offer discounted rates.

  • At The Dana on Mission Bay, San Diego's closest hotel to SeaWorld San Diego, guests can enjoy 271 guest rooms, 10 acres of tropical gardens, outdoor heated pools and spas, courtesy airport shuttle and more. Rates start at $159, plus tax. Call (800) 445-3339 and ask for the Crew Classic Rate.
  • At the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina, located on Mission Bay, guests can enjoy 430 newly appointed guestrooms, two restaurants, a lounge, outdoor heated pools with slides, an award-winning spa and more. Rates start $179, plus tax. Call (800) 233-1234 and ask for the Crew Classic Rate.
  • At the Paradise Point Resort & Spa, the closest hotel on Mission Bay to the race course, guests can enjoy 462 newly renovated rooms, lush gardens, an award-winning spa and restaurant, pools, a variety of onsite water sports and more. Rates start $189, plus tax. Call (800) 344-2626 and ask for the Crew Classic Rate.

For a complete list of hotels and their rates, visit http://crewclassic.org/hotels.

Additional Spring Events to Enjoy

If the thrilling races of the San Diego Crew Classic have spectators eager to discover more of San Diego, visitors can enjoy other popular springtime events held throughout the region.

  • The San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents Butterfly Jungle, March 16 – April 7. During this three-week celebration, guests can walk through the Park's Hidden Jungle, an African aviary, and surround themselves with thousands of butterflies of every shape, size and color. A variety of butterfly species flutter freely throughout the Hidden Jungle along with more than 100 birds, creating a realistic rainforest environment.
  • The La Jolla Concours d'Elegance takes place April 5-7 in Scripps Park near La Jolla Cove in luxurious La Jolla and draws droves of classic car enthusiasts. The event includes a cocktail party on Friday night and motor tour and VIP party on Saturday; the Concours d'Elegance car show occurs 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday.
  • At the Flower Fields of Carlsbad California, a vibrant sea of giant ranunculus transforms 50 acres of hills into rows of brilliant color. During March through May, guests can stroll past oceans of flowers and through beautiful gardens, including a miniature rose garden, fragrant sweet pea maze, a garden featuring more than 50 All American Rose Selection winners and a spectacular display of red, white and blue flowers planted in the shape of a giant American flag.
  • A spectacular floral display also occurs annually between February and April in the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego's East County as colorful wildflowers bejewel the sun-scorched desert landscape. Since the phenomenon depends upon the timing and quantity of winter rains, the blossoms are at their peak for just two weeks. Guests are advised to call the Park's 24-hour "Wildflower Hotline" at 760-767-4684 before planning a tour of the desert flora.

For a complete list of San Diego spring events, visit www.sandiego.org/events.

More Adventures for Landlubbers

San Diego's picturesque Mission Bay and neighboring offerings guarantee that there is something for everyone during the San Diego Crew Classic, whether you want to rediscover you inner child at SeaWorld San Diego or take in the cool Southern California vibe along the Mission Beach boardwalk.

  • Mission Bay Park is a 4,600-acre aquatic playground, the largest park of its kind in the world. In this year-round water wonderland, visitors can sail, swim, powerboat and fish in separate designated public areas. Joggers and walkers share more than 20 miles of shoreline paths, and bicycle rentals are easily available for a leisurely ride along the trails. Mission Bay Park is also home to the 18-hole Mission Bay Golf Course.
  • One of Mission Bay's most popular year-round attractions is SeaWorld San Diego, a 189-acre marine park that features several major shows including the park's star performer, Shamu. Dozens of other fascinating exhibits contain marine life from around the globe, such as Wild Arctic, Penguin Encounter, Shark Encounter and Manatee Rescue. Thrilling rides at SeaWorld include the Journey to Atlantis, Shipwreck Rapids and the exciting new Manta roller coaster.
  • Within a short walk west of Mission Bay, guest can find Mission Beach and neighboring Pacific Beach, which offer year-round locations for surf, swim and nightlife. The connecting pedestrian boardwalk between the two oceanfront communities is perfect for walking, running, skating or biking along the scenic Pacific Ocean. Pacific Beach, or P.B., is a seaside mecca and surfer's paradise for college students and 20-somethings with boisterous bars, cafes, shopping and casual restaurants aplenty. Located just south of P.B, Mission Beach is another popular surf spot and hip hangout for the younger set.
  • Adjacent to Mission Beach is Belmont Park, featuring its historic "Giant Dipper" roller coaster, amusement arcades and other fun activities like The Wave House, with an on-land, water wave simulator.
  • Located north of Pacific Beach, La Jolla is the "jewel" of San Diego. This Mediterranean-style village offers fine dining with breathtaking ocean views; luxury shopping; sophisticated, world-class arts and culture, and endless outdoor recreational activities including the internationally recognized Torrey Pines Golf Course.
  • Located within minutes of Mission Bay, Balboa Park is home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo and is often called the "Smithsonian of the West" for its vast cultural offerings. The San Diego Zoo is a 100-acre tropical garden that houses 4,000 rare and endangered birds, mammals and reptiles, and 6,500 varieties of exotic plants. Balboa Park's 1,200 lush acres are home to 15 museums, eight gardens, the San Diego Zoo, art galleries and renowned performing arts venues like the Tony Award®-winning Old Globe theatre.

Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego's offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website at www.sandiego.org or call 619-236-1212.

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