Raleigh, N.C., Welcomes the 2025 Lake Wheeler Invitational!

April 25-26, 2025
Lake Wheeler Park
6404 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh, NC 27603

2025 Lake Wheeler Invitational information*

Race Schedule
For a list of the 2025 Lake Wheeler Invitational race schedule and results, click here.

Tickets 
Rowing events are not ticketed, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Access via the main entry to Lake Wheeler Park at 6404 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh, N.C., is the recommended entry point. There are limited bleachers available, and spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Clear bags are not required for entry, but a list of prohibited items can be found below.

Volunteers
Volunteers of all skill levels are needed to help the event run smoothly—if you're interested, please complete this form.

T-shirts
Pre-order your Lake Wheeler Invitational Regatta t-shirt for a discounted price of $20, here. (Pre-orders are due by March 23 at 8pm.)

Parking and traffic
Parking opens at 7am every morning and costs $20 per vehicle (credit card only) per day and allows vehicular access throughout that particular day. There is ADA parking and carts available to assist with getting spectators to and from the spectator viewing area. Parking and event staff will assist with directing to the appropriate spots as well as arranging for the golf cart shuttles as needed.  Golf Cart service is provided throughout the event until approximately 30 minutes following competition. Click here to view the parking map.

Weather evacuation procedures 
The Severe Weather policy for Lake Wheeler is as follows: DTN Weather, a weather tracking application, will notify the Event Manager when a storm containing lightning is approaching the vicinity. Warnings will be given at 20 miles, and the spectator area will be cleared/competition suspended at 15 miles. Teams will be able to return to the water and team area when lightning has cleared the 10-mile radius within 30 minutes.
Teams will be asked to return to their respective buses until the storm has cleared. Fans will be evacuated from the spectator area and required to seek shelter. It is recommended that fans return to their vehicles. Updates will be provided via social media on the @GoHeelsGameDay and @WheelerInvite X (Twitter) accounts.

Prohibited items
In addition to the below, all items are subject to the judgment of game management staff and may be removed from the facility based upon safety to surrounding guests, as well as the ability of others to enjoy the event.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Explosives
• Fireworks
• Illegal drugs
• Laser pointers
• Pets must be restrained on a leash at all times within the park
• Smoking is prohibited
• Swimming and/or wading are not allowed
• Weapons of any kind

Accessibility accommodations and information

Please find below a list of disability services currently provided at Lake Wheeler Park. Prior to race day, please feel free to reach out to Lake Wheeler Park at 919-662-5704 to help make arrangements for your visit or if you have any special needs, questions or concerns regarding our accessibility and accommodations.

• Accessible Parking for Guests with Disabilities: ADA Parking is limited at Lake Wheeler Park. Please note that state-issued ADA parking placards or license plates are required for accessible parking. One car per placard. Overflow parking for guests with disabilities is available in the General Parking area 0.1 miles from the lake. ADA shuttles will be running to escort these guests to the Lake.
• Accessible Seating: Accessible seating is available at the main dock. An accessible ramp leads from the sidewalk to the seating area.
• Accessible Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are located at the main building at Lake Wheeler Park.
• Service Animals: Duke University Athletics welcomes trained Service Animals to Lake Wheeler Park. A Service Animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. A Service Animal must be under the control of the handler at all times. A Service Animal must be leashed or tethered unless doing so would interfere with the task that it was trained to perform for the individual with a disability. A Service Animal must not show aggression toward people or other animals. A Service Animal does not bark, growl, or whine unless trained to do so as a warning sign to the handler. A Service Animal does not solicit food or other items from the general public. A Service Animal’s work does not disrupt the normal course of business. Service Animals should wear current rabies vaccination tags at all times or provide proof of vaccination upon request. If a Service Animal is found in violation of these guidelines, the Service Animal will be excluded from the facility or event.
• Service Animals in Training: In North Carolina, Service Animals in Training have the same access rights as people with disabilities using a Service Animal. The Service Animal in Training must wear a collar and leash, harness or cape that identifies it as a Service Animal in Training. Service Animals in Training should wear current rabies vaccination tags at all times or provide proof of vaccination upon request. The trainer is liable for any damage caused by the animal while on Lake Wheeler property. Service Animals in Training must be under the control of the handler at all times, must be housebroken, and must follow all behavior guidelines established for fully trained Service Animals. If the Service Animal in Training is found in violation of these guidelines, the Service Animal in Training will be excluded from the facility or event.

Accessible seating
ADA seating is located on the deck overlooking the launch area and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Assistive listening devices
Unfortunately, assistive listening devices are not available at Lake Wheeler.

Accessible concessions window
There is not a specific ADA-accessible concessions location at Lake Wheeler.

Accessible restrooms for guests with disabilities
The restrooms are ADA accessible.

Gender-neutral, accessible family restroom
A family/gender-neutral restroom is available upon request.

Admission policy
Rowing events are non-ticketed events, with general-public access allowed generally 2 hours prior to the first race of each day. Seating is general admission and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no cost for admission, but there is a $20 parking fee per vehicle.

Alcohol policy
Outside alcohol is not allowed within Lake Wheeler. Alcoholic drinks may be available at concessions. Alcohol transaction limits of 2 beverages per customer per transaction will be in place, and alcohol will not be sold to those under 21 years of age.

Assistive listening devices
Assistive listening devices are not available at Lake Wheeler.

Banners and signs
UNC, Duke and City of Raleigh reserves the right to prohibit or require the cessation of any display of a banner or sign that can be considered an advertisement or is determined to be obscene, vulgar, indecent, inappropriate or derogatory.

Camera policy
Video cameras, audio equipment and cameras with professional lenses greater than 55mm are allowed.

Concessions
Concessions via food trucks are generally available to spectators and located in the low parking lot near the viewing deck. We encourage you to support them!

Friday, April 25
Beverage services will be open 10am-6pm
Location: Viewing Area (Deck)
Beer, wine, cold coffee and sports drinks available

Outlaw Pig BBQ and Wilson’s Soul Food will be open 11:30am-6pm
Location: Viewing Area (Deck)

Saturday, April 26
Belgian Waffle Crafters will be open 9am-12pm
*Coffee will be onsite

Facility Map
A park map is linked here.  Please note that some areas at the park may be unavailable to attendees as deemed necessary by event management.

List of 2025 Participants

• Boston College
• Boston University
• Clemson University
• Columbia University
• Georgetown University
• Gonzaga University
• Jacksonville University
• Kansas University
• University of Louisville
• University of Miami
• United States Naval Academy
• University of Rhode Island
• University of Tulsa
• University of Virginia
• Villanova University
• Washington State University
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Duke University

Corporate sponsorships
The Lake Wheeler Local Organizing Committee is grateful for the support of the City of Raleigh, Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, CMC Hotels Corporation and Pocock Racing Shells. Their support allows the event to truly distinguish itself and the student-athlete and fan experience provided.
 
Code of conduct
The University of North Carolina, Duke University and City of Raleigh are shaped not only by participants, coaches and employees, but by fans as well. The goal is to create a high-energy environment to support teams while maintaining a wholesome family-oriented atmosphere. To ensure all fans have a positive experience, each patron should act responsibly and be considerate of others. Event management staff and security will respond to complaints of misconduct. Please know that spectators are prohibited from accessing the team or competition area.

Please join us in creating a fun, safe, family atmosphere at Lake Wheeler Park by not:

• Interfering with other guests’ ability to enjoy the race
• Using or displaying foul or abusive language or gestures
• Appearing to be intoxicated or in a diminished capacity
• Entering the competition or restricted access areas
• Throwing objects onto the competition area or within the venue
• Otherwise being disorderly

Violators are subject to ejection and possible arrest. Fans should contact the event staff if they feel someone is not acting appropriately.

ACC policies support good sportsmanship at all times.

If you experience any issues, please reach out to any event staff team member or text the fan text and hotline at 919.238.9894.

Fan text and hotline and feedback
The event would be happy to receive fan feedback via the fan text line at 919.238.9894 or via the @GoHeelsGameDay X (Twitter) account.

Emergency preparedness
The University of North Carolina, Duke University and City of Raleigh place the safety and well-being of student-athletes and fans as the highest priority. In the event of an emergency, the gameday team will be in communication via PA announcement with fans. Regular updates will be provided to ensure the safety of fans and teams. Follow @GoHeelsGameDay @Dukerow and @WheelerInvite X (Twitter) accounts for the most up to date information pertaining to gameday information.

Entry and screening policy
Fans may access Lake Wheeler via the main entrance off of Lake Wheeler Rd. Clear bags are NOT required.

First aid/emergency medical services
First aid/emergency medical services are provided by Wake County Emergency Medical Services.  To utilize their services, please reach out to any event staff team member or text the Fan text and hotline at 919.238.9894.

Food and beverage
Outside food and beverage (excluding alcohol) is permitted within Lake Wheeler. Additionally, general concessions will be available.

Lactation room
Can be made available upon request to a gameday staff member.

Lost and found
Please check with event management staff if an item is lost. After an event, all unclaimed items are turned over to the UNC Athletic Event Management Department. Please contact athleticslostandfound.svc@email.unc.edu or text the Fan text and hotline at 919.238.9894.
 
Media
All members of the media must check in with the sports information director upon arrival. All media requests should be directed to Dana Gelin (dgelin@unc.edu).

Merchandise
Merchandise will be available and conveniently located at the fan services center at the Magnolia Shelter.

Public transit
Transit access to Lake Wheeler is available via various points throughout Wake County. More information is available here: https://raleighnc.gov/transportation/services/bus-routes-and-schedules

Taxi and ride-share services are encouraged for drop-off and pick-up in the U-Lot nearest the main entry.

Re-entry
Fans are allowed to exit the venue and re-enter at their leisure as long as they display their parking receipt for vehicular returns

Restrooms
Portable Restrooms with accessible features are located in the parking lot near the Waterfront Center. 

Social media
Follow @GoHeelsGameDay @Dukerow and @WheelerInvite X (Twitter) accounts for the most up to date information pertaining to gameday information.

Student seating
There is not a specified student section as all seats are available on a first-come, first served basis.

Tailgating
Lake Wheeler allows tailgating, however outside alcohol is prohibited. Parking lots and individual parking spaces can not be reserved for tailgating.
 
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are allowed.

Video camera policy
Video cameras are permitted, and consideration of other spectators is expected.

Wheelchairs and assistive devices
Lake Wheeler is not outfitted with any additional assistive devices or wheelchairs.

*All event-specific information on this page has been provided by the event organizers, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. For any questions specific to the event, text the fan line at 919.238.9894.

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