INDIANAPOLIS – The U.S. Olympic swimming trials were a smash hit at Lucas Oil Stadium, setting attendance records as some of swimming’s biggest names showed off their star power.
According to USA Swimming, the event welcomed more than 285,000 fans, an increase of more than 60% compared to the previous total attendance record at the trials.
On June 15, 20,689 fans witnessed the trials, making it the largest gathering for a swim meet ever. A few days later, on June 22, 22,209 fans were in attendance, setting a new mark. Organizers also said the 17,697 fans who attended on June 16 set a record for a prelims session.
“One of USA Swimming's main goals, aside from remaining the best swimming nation in the world, is to promote our sport and expose it to new audiences,” said Tim Hinchey III, USA Swimming president and CEO.
“As a host city, Indianapolis has exceeded our expectations, with the most tickets we've ever sold for an event," Hinchey said. "This overwhelming support is a testament to the growing popularity of the top Olympic sport and a promising sign for its growth.”
The decision to bring the trials to Lucas Oil Stadium—the first time a swim meet has been held in an NFL stadium—paid huge dividends. There was something innovative and thrilling about setting up temporary pools inside the home of the Indianapolis Colts.
The pools, by the way, are headed to Fort Wayne (the competition pool) and the Cayman Islands (the warm-up pool). The event ran from June 15 through June 23.
The trials set the roster for the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team. Six Hoosiers made the roster, which is subject to final approval from the U.S. Olympic Committee.