Spectators
How to Watch the Race
The first boats start on Saturday morning at 8:50 am (see race schedule). An hour before the races start, boats begin launching from the docks and row to the starting line. This is a head race. Competitors row a 4,500-meter (2.8-mile) course on the Tennessee River ending at Ross's Landing Park. Results are based on time, with boats crossing the start line roughly 15 seconds apart. You will be able to see all participating boats on this website prior to the regatta.
Where to Watch
There are several places along the Tennessee River where you can watch. The course map shows where races start and finish.
Best finish line view — Ross's Landing Park
Watch from the grandstands and enjoy the crew tents, the Chattanooga Market, and the energy of crowds cheering on and off the water. The premier spectating spot.
Great for photos — Walnut Street Bridge
One of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. Look down on the river as crews glide directly beneath you — a perfect vantage point for photography. Boats at this point are just ~350m from the finish line, so cheering is a must!
Quieter & Relaxed — Coolidge Park, North Shore
Watch boats making their way to the start, or enjoy a gorgeous, quieter view of the finish line with easy access. Bring a chair and settle in.
Bike or Hike — Chattanooga Riverwalk
Follow the races from the shore along the Riverwalk bike path on foot, with your own bike, or with a rental. Find just the right spot to stop and watch. A guide to Chattanooga's Riverwalk Rent a bike at bikechattanooga.com (please note: there is a 60-minute limit to any bike excursion before overage fees apply).
Live stream available
Head of the Hooch will broadcast races live. Watch here. (link)
Looking for boat trailer, buses, cars carrying shells, vendors, or sponsor access and parking? See race day parking and access. (link)
Parking
Downtown Parking
Parking is at a premium during the Hooch, but downtown Chattanooga is easy to navigate. The venue sits at the north end of Chestnut or Broad Street, near the Tennessee Aquarium. Market, Broad, and Chestnut run parallel north/south, with numerous garages and surface lots along these streets and side streets.
Free electric shuttle
Runs continually along Broad and Market streets between Shuttle Park North (Broad & 3rd, near the venue) and Shuttle Park South at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo (Market & 14th St). Leave your car at your hotel or any nearby lot and ride to within a block of the venue. Check route and hours.
Handicapped parking (permit required)
Available for vehicles with a properly displayed permit, placard, or tag at the River Pier Landing and CARTA North Garages (see below).
North of the river
Renaissance Park and Coolidge Park lots sit just across the river from the venue, with easy access to the North Shore parks and a great view of crews heading upstream to the start. Cross via the Market Street Bridge or pedestrian-only Walnut Street Bridge: both offer excellent views of the course below. The Northshore neighborhood also has shopping and dining nearby.
Cycling to the venue
Free parking along Riverwalk
Best bike corridors: along Broad Street from MLK Blvd (9th St) to Aquarium Way (2nd St), and along a bike lane on Chestnut Street. For a car-free route, use the Tennessee Riverwalk along the river park for free in any number of lots along the Riverwalk and ride to Ross's Landing. If coming from upstream/east, you'll likely catch views of the rowing shells on the course. Read more about the Riverwalk.
The bike share program is also an option but note that docking stations at Ross's Landing will be closed during the event and nearby docks may fill at peak hours. More info here.
On-street parking
Not recommended. Street parking is generally limited to 2-hour maximums and fills quickly. It's a poor option on race day.
Parking Lots & Garages
The larger garages below and numerous surface lots are shown on the shuttle map.
River Pier Landing Garage
- 201 W Aquarium Way (2nd Street)
- Closest garage to the venue; fills quickly
CARTA North Garage
- 211 Broad St
- access from 3rd Street between Chestnut & Broad
401 Garage
- Behind 401 Chestnut St
- Exit 1C / 4th Street from Hwy 27
- Open to public after office hours and on weekends
Market Court Garage
- 537 Market Street
- Enter from Market or Broad between 5th & 6th Streets
Citi Park
- 807 Chestnut St; Exit 1B from Hwy 27 (MLK Blvd / 9th St)
- 8 blocks to venue; 1 block from shuttle stop
EPB Building Parking Garage
- Behind 10 W M L King Blvd (9th Street) with access from 10th Street near exit 1B from Highway 27 (10 block walk/electric shuttle suggested)
CARTA South Garage
- Located at 1362 Market St – beside the Chattanooga Choo-Choo (14 block walk/electric shuttle suggested)