Three Rivers Regatta planning to return to Pittsburgh this summer, sources say

PITTSBURGH — Target 11 has confirmed that the Three Rivers Regatta is planning to return to Pittsburgh this summer, the first time the event will be held in four years.

The event is scheduled on the city’s major events calendar from July 28 to July 31.

Target 11′s Rick Earle reached out to Public Information Officer with Pittsburgh Public Safety Cara Cruze. She checked with the office of special events and said there are no permits in place for the Regatta to take place.

However, Target 11′s Earle spoke with event organizer John Bonassi, who confirmed that plans are in place to hold the Regatta.

Bonassi said the organizing team will have an official announcement soon.

“We have a new management team in place and the board members have all stood by us. We want to make it a go. We plan to have an official announcement when it’s finalized. I’m very optimistic,” Bonassi said.

It would be the first time the event would happen since 2018. The event was canceled in 2019 due to failure by the event manager, LionHeart Entertainment, to obtain the proper permits and insurance. The owner of LionHeart, Derek Weber, then filed for bankruptcy.

The event was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of similar issues with obtaining finances and COVID-19 concerns as well.

Business was ‘sinking ship,’ promoter blamed for Pittsburgh regatta cancellation says Business was ‘sinking ship,’ promoter blamed for Pittsburgh regatta cancellation says

©2022 Cox Media Group