Canberra couple builds $1m Olympic coastal rowing arena
John and Jeanette Gasson are spending about $1 million to build a beach and amphitheatre. It will be used for the 2028 Olympic coastal rowing event.
Two lifelong rowers are funding a coastal arena on Black Mountain Peninsula. The Olympic coastal rowing event will debut there at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The facility will feature a permanent beach and amphitheatre. Rowers sprint 50 metres on sand to their boats, then race 250 metres on water.
The Gassons have already invested $10 million in the Red Shed, a rowing facility that opened in 2024. Lake Burley Griffin's gentle waves are ideal for coastal rowing.
The first coastal rowing demonstration will happen at the Golden Oar regatta on 30 October.
- $1 million
- Construction cost
- $10 million, opened 2024
- Red Shed investment
- October 30, Golden Oar regatta
- First demo event
Why it mattersWorld-class Olympic rowing facilities are coming to Canberra. Local rowers are backing this. They believe in the sport's future.
AustraliaCanberra will host Olympic-standard coastal rowing facilities for trials and events, strengthening Australia's bid to excel in this new Olympic discipline.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 d ago
