Your Complete Guide to the Exciting Madison Regatta - 33rd Square (2024)

The roaring hydroplanes are ready to rocket down the Ohio River once again! The Madison Regatta is returning this summer for another action-packed weekend of thrilling boat races and family fun.

As your trusted guide, I‘ve put together everything you need to know to fully experience this one-of-a-kind event. In this guide, we‘ll cover:

• When and where the Regatta takes place
• Ticket information and how to get there
• Schedule of events and race classes
• The race course and best viewing spots
• What to see and do at the Regatta
• Where to stay close by
• Historic race records and past champions
• Tips to maximize your Regatta experience

So let‘s get started! Here‘s what you need to know about the world-famous Madison Regatta:

When and Where Does the Madison Regatta Take Place?

The Madison Regatta is held every summer over 4th of July weekend along the Ohio River in Madison, Indiana.

For 2023, the event runs from Thursday, June 29 to Sunday, July 2. The schedule is:

• Thursday, June 29: Freedom Festival
• Friday, June 30: Racing begins
• Saturday, July 1: All classes compete
• Sunday, July 2: Finals determine winners

You‘ll find the Regatta taking place near downtown Madison, running along the city‘s riverfront. The Ohio River provides a perfect straightaway for the hydroplanes to hit top speeds.

Madison‘s riverfront parks and historic district offer ideal spots to view the races too.

How to Get Tickets to the Madison Regatta

You have several options when it comes to purchasing tickets:

• General Admission: $10 per day for adults, $5 per day for kids ages 6-12
• Grandstand Seating: $20 per day for adults, $10 per day for kids ages 6-12
• Reserved Seating: $30 per day for adults, $15 per day for kids ages 6-12
• Pit Passes: $15 per day for adults, $5 per day for kids ages 6-12
• All Access Pass: $45 for a 3-day pass
• Family Pass: Varies based on number of people

You can buy tickets:

• Online through the Madison Regatta website
• By phone at 812-273-9099
• At the gate during the event

I recommend buying tickets early, as the most popular Grandstand seats tend to sell out quickly.

Pro Tip: If you join the Indiana Grand Prix membership, you can receive discounted Regatta tickets and other perks.

How to Get to the Madison Regatta

Getting to the Madison Regatta is easy! Here are your options:

By Car:

• Parking is available near the riverfront for $5-10 per day
• Follow posted detours and allow extra time with road closures

By Bus:

• Shuttles run spectators from satellite parking to Regatta entrance

By Boat:

• Limited docking available, arrive early to secure a spot

By Plane:

• Fly into Cincinnati or Louisville airport, then drive or take a shuttle

If you‘re staying in Madison, the race area is walking distance from many hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

What‘s On the Madison Regatta Event Schedule?

The Regatta spans four exciting days packed with boat races and family-friendly activities:

Thursday:

• Freedom Festival with concerts, food, & fireworks

Friday:

• Qualifying heats in Grand Prix, Formula Light, Super Stock

Saturday:

• All classes race in heats: Unlimited Lights, Unlimited Hydroplanes, Grand Prix, Formula Lights, Pro Outboard, Mod VP, Stock Outboard, Super Stock

Sunday:

• Final heats determine winners in each class
• Vintage boat exhibition & worship service

Races occur all day, but the premier Unlimited Hydroplane class typically runs late afternoon when the water is most smooth.

The Race Course and Best Viewing Spots

The Madison Regatta race course parallels the shoreline, giving spectators amazing views. Here are the key features:

• 2.5 mile straightaway on the Ohio River
• Start line near Milton-Madison bridge
• Pits and launch just west of start
• Course runs east towards finish line near George Rogers Clark bridge
• Bright buoys mark outside edges
• Fastest line hugs the Madison shoreline

The best viewing is from the:

• Grandstands on the south shoreline
• Festival village behind the Grandstands
• Riverfront parks in downtown Madison
• Water: Regatta cruises for a thrilling onboard view

What Else is There to Do at the Regatta?

In addition to the hydroplane races, some of the highlights at the Madison Regatta include:

• Live Music: National and local bands perform free shows
• Shopping: Rows of vendors sell racing merchandise and memorabilia
• Food: An entire food court with every tasty option you can imagine
• Kids Zone: Crafts, activities, and boat rides for children
• Carnival: Rides, games, and fun for all ages next to the Regatta grounds
• Boat Show: See gorgeous vintage racing boats on display
• Meet & Greets: Get autographs from your favorite drivers!

Don‘t miss the spectacular Saturday night fireworks show over the river too!

Where to Stay Near the Madison Regatta

Madison hotels fill up fast, so reserve your room early. Nearby options include:

Madison, IN:

• Grand Victoria Casino & Resort
• Best Western Riverfront Hotel
• Comfort Inn & Suites

Nearby Kentucky:

• Belterra Casino Resort (15 mins away)
• Holiday Inn Express in Carrollton (20 mins away)

Cincinnati Area:

• Great Wolf Lodge (45 mins away)
• Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport (35 mins away)

Louisville Area:

• Galt Hotel (1 hour away)
• Hampton Inn Louisville Airport (1 hour away)

Camping is also available at Clifty Falls State Park.

Historic Records and Past Champions

The Madison Regatta attracts the best hydroplane teams and drivers worldwide. Here are some key records and past Unlimited class champions:

• Most Wins: Thunderboat Miss Madison with 9 victories
• Recent Champs: J. Michael Kelly Racing, U-9 Jones Racing Team
• Speed Record: 160.322 mph by Jimmy Shane in U-6 boat (2016)

The Hydroplane Museum in Seattle has more details on past Regatta records and winners.

Tips to Maximize Your Regatta Experience

Follow these tips for the best possible Madison Regatta experience:

• Arrive early for prime seats in the Grandstands or along the shore
• Use ear protection – the engines are LOUD!
• Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated
• Bring binoculars to see distant turns up close
• Check schedules to plan which races to see
• Wander through the vendor tents and festival village
• Catch the spectacular Saturday night fireworks show

The Regatta offers nonstop excitement for race fans of all ages. I hope this guide gets you fully prepared to make the most of this beloved Indiana summer tradition along the Ohio River. Let me know if you have any other questions!

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