A major rowing event that could attract up to 150,000 spectators is moving its permanent home to Chattanooga.
Bob Doak, president of the Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the Head of the Hooch rowing competition will be moving from Gainesville, Ga., to Ross's Landing starting this November.
Rob Healy, city parks director, said Head of the Hooch is the nation's second biggest rowing event - after Boston's competition on the Charles River that draws 300,000 onlookers.
He said the event will be Nov. 5, 6 and 7 and thousands of people will be lining the Tennessee River from the start at South Chickamuaga Creek to the finish at Ross's Landing.
Mr. Healy said $200,000 is being spent to buy portable docks for the event. Half of that amount is being requested from the hotel-motel fund.
Paul Brock, RiverCity Company president, said, "This race is one of the reasons we created the 21st Century Waterfront. Officials of Head of the Hooch are so excited about having a venue that will allow the event to grow over the years."
Mr. Doak said Chattanooga has much better facilities for the race than Gainesville - especially with all the improvements at the river, including new seating at Ross's Landing Park.
He said the event is "one more way to animate our city and our river."
Mr. Healy said initial interest by competitors on the shift to Chattanooga "has been incredible."