Formula One Powerboat National Championships to Anchor Pittsburgh’s Fourth of July Celebrations

The Formula One Powerboat National Championships are set to return to Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers in 2027, marking the beginning of a major three-year partnership between SportsPITTSBURGH and the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Powerboat Series.

This collaboration will establish a new annual Fourth of July tradition, transforming the city’s waterfront into an action-packed, two-day land and water racing festival.

The event, which returns to the city after a decade-long hiatus, will feature high-speed competition on the Allegheny River.

Drivers across the Formula One, Formula Lights, and Tri-Hull classes will navigate the demanding course, with powerboats reaching speeds of up to 120 mph. To complement the high-octane racing, the festival will offer a wide array of family-friendly entertainment, including fly-boarders, stunt dog exhibitions, and a signature drone light show.

The agreement represents a significant milestone for SportsPITTSBURGH, as it marks the first time a major sporting event will be directly owned and operated by VisitPITTSBURGH’s sports tourism division.

This shift is part of a broader local strategy to create “signature experiences” that drive long-term economic growth and cement Pittsburgh’s status as a premier destination for sports and entertainment.

The IHRA, which acquired the F1 Powerboat Racing series in December 2025, views the Pittsburgh venue as a vital component of its mission to unify the sport under a vision of improved safety standards and enhanced fan engagement.

With preparations already underway a year in advance, stakeholders expect the event to draw substantial tourism, supporting local businesses and highlighting Pittsburgh’s waterfront assets to a national audience.

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