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TDC backs $500,000 bid support for 2028 World Rowing Senior Championships at Benderson Park
Summary
The Tourist Development Council unanimously recommended $500,000 toward a regional bid for the 2028 World Rowing Senior Championships at Nathan Benderson Park, signaling regional support; Elliott Falcone said Manatee County would contribute up to $750,000 if awarded in 2028.
The Manatee County Tourist Development Council on Aug. 18 recommended that county leaders commit $500,000 toward a regional bid to host the 2028 World Rowing Senior Championships at Nathan Benderson Park.
Elliot Falcone described the item as a bid contribution: $500,000 now toward the bid process, with Manatee County prepared to provide a total of $750,000 in local support across the bid and event if awarded; Sarasota County and the Benderson Corporation are co‑partners. Falcone said the event would draw roughly 2,500 athletes and international delegations; the championship would take place in August and is not expected to be televised.
Supporters emphasized regional economic benefits and legacy impacts. Mayor Jean Brown and other members said that even though the venue sits largely in Sarasota County’s footprint, hosting the event drives hotel nights, restaurant visits and downtown foot traffic across the region, including Bradenton and Palmetto. Falcone said the event has special logistics and costs because equipment (racing shells) is costly to ship internationally.
A hotelier on the board raised concerns about procurement and fairness to local hotels. Jiten Patel (hotel representative) and another hospitality member said local hotels should not be disadvantaged by exclusive deals; they urged transparent oversight of event hospitality contracts to ensure broad benefits for local businesses.
The TDC moved and seconded a recommendation to contribute $500,000 toward the bid; the motion passed unanimously. Falcone said the county has $250,000 available in a sports line item and requested the TDC recommendation to forward to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. If the bid is awarded, Falcone said the county would budget an additional $250,000 for a total $750,000 contribution in 2028.
— Ending note: staff will forward the recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners; the final county commitment and any agreements with Benderson Park and Sarasota County will depend on subsequent approvals and the bid outcome.
