Indianapolis has snagged another high-profile sporting event. The U.S. Olympic Swim Trials will return to the city in June 2024 to determine who will represent the team in the 2024 Paris Games.
The trials have not been held in Indianapolis since 2000.
For the first time, the event will be held in pools constructed on a football field. Three temporary pools will be set up over the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, which seats about 67,000 for Colts games. The 50-meter competition pool will be installed at one end, with two warm-up pools — one 50 meters, the other 25 meters — that will go in away from the seating bowl.
In a statement, USA Swimming President & CEO Tim Hinchey III said the city’s sports track record played into the decision.
“We are incredibly confident and excited in Indianapolis’ ability to conduct a technically flawless competition and to stage a world-class event,” Hinchey said.
Indianapolis was able to hold some of the country's only large-scale sporting events during the pandemic.
Indiana Sports Corp, USA Swimming and the city of Indianapolis will partner to create city-wide activities to be held around the event in June 2024.
There is also a legacy project that will invest $400,000 dollars toward equal access in swimming opportunities for residents. Efforts will provide financial assistance for swimming and water safety programs.
The upcoming trials will mark 100 years since they were first held in Indianapolis. The 1924 Summer Olympics will also mark 100 years since the games were in Paris, France.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Contact reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.