More than 4,200 collegiate, junior and master-level rowers converge each spring in San Diego for the San Diego Crew Classic. Held March 30 through April 1, 2012 on the waters of picturesque Mission Bay, this thrilling competition draws rowers and spectators from throughout North America.

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 4,200 athletes from more than 126 universities, clubs and high school programs from across the United States and Canada 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, a trade show, alumni tents, food vendors and the Karl Strauss Beer Garden.  New in 2012 is the Brew & Crew event held on Mission Bay’s Ski Beach, featuring 20 different beer stations. Also new in 2012 is the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Family Festival area, which caters to families with a kid’s zone, artist booths and massive Jumbotron.

Practice for the races occurs on Friday, March 30.  The racing tentatively begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 31 and 7:20 a.m. on Sunday, April 1 and continues until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Ticket prices for the San Diego Crew Classic are $10 in advance and $12 on the day of event; admission is free for active military with ID and children under 12 years old.  The Brew & Crew event is priced at $40 per 3 hour session with 10 tasters included.

For a complete schedule of the races and 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 special 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 Bahia Resort Hotel located on Mission Bay, guests can enjoy 320 deluxe guest rooms and suites, water sport rentals, a heated outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, tennis courts and more.  Rates start at $169 per night, plus tax.  Call (800) 576-4229 and ask for the Crew Classic Block. 
      
• 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 Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa located on Mission Bay, guests can enjoy 357 newly renovated guestrooms, 18 acres of lush landscaping, an award-winning spa, a variety of onsite water sports, pools and more.  Rates start $179, plus tax.  Call (800) 445-8667 and ask for the San Diego 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) 223-1234 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 rooms, lush gardens, award-winning spa and restaurant, pools, a variety of onsite water sports and more.  Rates start $179, plus tax.  Call (800) 344-2626 and ask for the Crew Classic Rate.

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

 
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 San Diego.

• Guests can celebrate spring with Shamu and friends during Spring into Night at SeaWorld San Diego.  During weekends in spring, visitors can laugh with sea lions Clyde and Seamore at the Sea Lions Tonite! nighttime show and be amazed at the visually stunning evening performance of Shamu Rocks before looking to the sky for a fantastic fireworks show. The park also stays open until 9 p.m. on select weekends.
     
• The San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents Butterfly Jungle, March 24 – April 15.   During this festive 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.    
   
• 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.

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 and Shipwreck Rapids. 
   
• Within a short walk west of Mission Bay, guest can find Mission Beach and the connecting Pacific Beach, which offer year-round locations for surf, swim and nightlife.  The connecting pedestrian boardwalk is perfect for walking, running, skating or biking parallel to 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 vintage “Giant Dipper” roller coaster, amusement arcades and other fun activities. 
   
• 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 animals of 800 rare and exotic species including Giant Pandas from China.  Balboa Park’s 1,200 lush acres are home to 16 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 Convention & Visitors Bureau's website at www.sandiego.org or call 619-236-1212.   

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