Devon Boathouse Unlike Any Other Training Center in the World

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It took years of planning and months of construction, but a new boathouse on the Oklahoma River has opened its doors.

Oklahoma City University's Devon Boathouse had a christening celebration on Thursday. Mike Knopp is the chairman for the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation and said the opening of the Devon Boathouse is a historic moment.

Features of the Devon Boathouse include an altitude chamber and an endless pool. The Devon Boathouse will also be home to the world's only self-propelling indoor rowing tank.

"You get the same feel of the stroke in this room as you would on the water," Knopp said.

OCU athletes will train at the boathouse along with Olympic hopefuls who will use the high performance training center to try to make it to the London Olympics.

Knopp said the boathouse will further what is already an economic engine for the city. The river brings in revenue through events like the annual Oklahoma Regatta Festival, which kicks off again this week.

"Next year we will have the U.S. Masters National Championship which will bring 1,800 rowers. Beyond that, the world championship is coming and more events," Knopp said.

Knopp said he believes the development along the river is good for Oklahomans.

"It's transformational of peoples' perception of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma, and it's something I think everyone can really enjoy and take advantage of," Knopp said.