ST. GEORGE — St. George and Sand Hollow State Park have been selected to host one of the national stops during this summer’s Pro Watercross Tour — the country’s leading personal watercraft racing circuits – June 27-28.
“We are excited to welcome St. George to our family of host cities,” Pro Watercross Managing Director Nicholas Handler said. “After experiencing Sand Hollow Reservoir for ourselves, we’re confident it’s going to be one of the tour’s favorite destinations.”
Taking place the weekend of June 27-28, the large-scale event promises to impress spectators with closed-course races that attract some of the world’s top watercraft athletes.
The fierce battle has competitors navigating buoys and obstacles—all while reaching speeds of more than 85 miles per hour.
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“This is the Supercross of personal watercraft racing,” Handler said. “The course is designed to keep the high-speed action close to the fans on the beach.”
In addition to the races, the two-day event will also feature a heart-pounding freestyle segment that is always a crowd favorite. A panel of judges evaluates each trick and acrobatic stunt during the athletes’ two-minute routines.
“This is a win-win for both the residents of southern Utah and the racers in the Pro Watercross Tour,” St. George Tourism Office Director Roxie Sherwin said. “We get to enjoy the action-packed racing and they get to experience our scenic wonderland of national and state parks.”
The blue water and contrasting red sandstone at Sand Hollow Reservoir wowed the selection committee who visited the reservoir last fall. The location is also ideal because of the adjoining sand dunes and trails for all-terrain vehicles and off-highway vehicles.
“The 45-minute drive to Zion National Park is also very appealing,” Handler said. “Our competitors and their families are interested in exploring the outdoors and finding new recreational experiences.”
This summer’s seven-week circuit will be the 20th season of racing for the Pro Watercross Tour. Each step of the competition will be filmed and made into a nationwide television broadcast.
“The TV component will broadcast the uniqueness of Sand Hollow State Park to the entire country,” said Kevin Lewis, director of sports marketing for the St. George Tourism Office. “It will showcase our brand as an incredible destination for outdoor enthusiasts.”
Spectators are welcome to attend and watch the amateur and professional racers compete. Before and after the races, fans frequently get to interact with the competitors and request autographs.
“This event fits our objectives perfectly,” Lewis said. “It introduces a new demographic to our area and brings them here at a time that is beneficial for tourism.”
Event details and resources
- What: Pro Watercross Tour
- When: June 27-28
- Where: Sand Hollow Reservoir, Hurricane, Utah
- Pro Watercross Tour website
- Visit St. George website
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