Wichita State University's Shocker Rowing team will soon have a new home in the downtown River Vista development.

River Vista, 150 N. McLean, is a new apartment complex with 202 apartment units, upscale amenities and 120 feet of riverfront improvements, including bike paths, benches, art, landscaping and a 240 foot custom-designed floating dock.

A key feature is Boats & Bikes, which will serve as the Shocker Rowing team's new home.

The public is invited to a grand opening of River Vista from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20. As part of the grand opening, there will be a dedication of Shocker Rowing's racing shells at 4 p.m. Visitors to the grand opening can also take advantage of the grand opening leasing specials offered that weekend for River Vista.

Boats & Bikes will house Shocker Rowing's entire fleet of 33 racing shells and support equipment, and will includes men's and women's locker rooms, kitchenette, laundry, custom-charging station for rowing electronics and outdoor seating built into the Riverbank. It will be the location for all future water practices and home competitions for the Shocker Rowing team.

Shocker Rowing is an independent varsity sport, supporting a men's and women's team in the American Collegiate Rowing Association.

“It is so exciting to finally have a home for our student athletes,” said Shocker Rowing coach Calvin Cupp. “The quality of experience we are now able to offer them is excellent, and we look forward to using this facility as a foundation for the growth of our program.”

Boats & Bikes will also include a retail store for renting outdoor recreational equipment, such as paddleboats, canoes and bicycles. This retail component of Boats & Bikes is expected to open in spring 2019 and will be managed by Shocker Rowing, with revenues generated supporting the team.

“We are delighted to have Shocker Rowing as a part of our project,” said Amy Liebau, spokeswoman for River Vista. “It provides a unique amenity to our residents to be able to watch them rowing up and down the river.

“One of our goals has been to activate the river, leveraging one of Wichita's greatest assets. Boats & Bikes and Shocker Rowing are a key part of that. Between Shocker Rowing practices and competitions, and the public renting bikes and boats to be used along the river, there will be a lot of activity and excitement generated from Boats & Bikes.”

Cupp says he's grateful for the support of the City of Wichita and the River Vista group.

“They both have been great to work with and we look forward to anchoring the growth of downtown river activities for our community.”

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