The U.S. Olympic swimming trials have made a splash in Indianapolis, not just for the competitions but for the record-breaking attendance they drew. Held at Lucas Oil Stadium from June 15–23, the event saw more than 285,000 fans come through its doors, a robust uptick of over 60% from past swim trials, as reported by CBS4Indy. This year's trials weren't just about setting records in the pool, but also in the stands, with a whopping 22,209 attendees on June 22, raising the bar for what a swim meet can draw.
It was a scene reminiscent of rock concerts rather than a swim meet, June 15 kicked off with the largest single session crowd a swim meet has ever seen at 20,689 fans, setting the tone for the spectacle that followed, information provided by WRTV shows. A couple of days later, not to be outdone, the numbers at the prelims session blew past previous records, with 17,697 fans cheering from the stands, painting a vivid picture of the sport's rising appeal.
Historic indeed, utilizing an NFL stadium for an Olympic Swim Trials was a first, and it appears the gamble has paid off handsomely for Indianapolis, as states WTHR. Tim Hinchey III, USA Swimming President and CEO, emphasized the importance of broadening the sport's spectator base; he told WTHR, "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." Hinchey lauded the city for its role in smashing ticket sale records, acknowledging that the "overwhelming support is a testament to the growing popularity of the top Olympic sport and a promising sign for its growth."
The trials not only set the roster for the forthcoming Olympic games but also turned the city into a hotbed for swimming, six Hoosiers securing their spot on the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team, a nod to the region's talent and enthusiasm for the sport, this tidbit coming from CBS4Indy. The pools themselves, which drew much of the attention, are en route to new homes—the competition pool to Fort Wayne and the warm-up pool to the Cayman Islands, a legacy of this remarkable event that has surely set a higher standard for future swim meets both in and out of the pool.
