HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) -- Saturday is a big day in High Point as thousands of people from all over the world will be in town to compete or watch the Lenny Peters Cup at Oak Hollow’s Festival Lake Park.
With more than 1,000 rowers and 2,500 spectators for the Olympic-level athletic event, it’
s an economic boon for the city as it actively works to welcome more sports tourism.
On a windy Friday afternoon, athletes, supporters and organizers gathered at the lake to prepare for the Lenny Peters Cup.
“It's an awesome once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people to see Olympians race. Some of these international team members race in the 2024 Olympics, and they're going to be here in High Point racing what could be the 2028 US team,” said Shelli York with the Triad United Rowing Association.
With that caliber of competition, thousands of people are expected to watch the athletes in action on Saturday.
“It’s a great coup for High Point. It really puts us on a global stage,” Visit High Point President Melody Burnett said. “Visit High Point is working hard to become a year-round destination, and sports tourism is part of that tactic, and rowing is helping us get there in a big way."
Welcoming the rowing crews comes with economic benefits.
“They’re going to stay through the weekend, and they’re dumping money into our retail, our restaurants and our hotels,” Burnett said.
The economic impact is estimated at $1.5 million, and local business owners are excited.
“I am looking forward to it ... Very excited for people to come in and visit beautiful High Point,” said Pizza Vino Italian Restaurant owner Bob Al-Sayed.
Pizza Vino has plenty of dough, cheese and toppings ready to whip up pizza for hungry visitors.
“We do everything homemade here for people really looking for authentic New York-style pizza or Italian food,” he said.
And there’s plenty of beer on tap locally to celebrate a win.
“Just earlier today, we saw some folks stop in with rowing jackets on, so I know the crowd is already coming into High Point and making their way around town, stopping by some of the local stops, and that's fantastic to see,” said Michael Robinson, the Brown Truck Brewery taproom manager. ...read more read less
