Three years ago, Shana Ferguson stood on the pool deck at the U.S. Olympic Trials, dreaming of holding the event in a football stadium. Now, her dream is becoming a reality as the upcoming Olympic Trials will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. With a capacity of around 30,000, event organizers are expecting the largest crowd ever to attend a swim meet. The goal is to create a spectacle that will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the athletes, with a pool built above ground on the stadium floor, surrounded by decks that will bring fans closer to the action.
Construction of the pool at Lucas Oil Stadium began three weeks ago, with nearly two million gallons of water brought in from the nearby White River. The pools are designed to meet the standards for elite swimming, with a 50-meter competition pool and two warm-up pools separated by a curtain. Myrtha Pools, a company that specializes in temporary pools, constructed the pools while Spear Corp handled plumbing and filtration. Dodd Technologies was in charge of the decking, signage, and other event essentials to make the space work for a swimming event in a football stadium.
The U.S. Olympic Trials have grown significantly over the years, with the event outgrowing its previous venues. After being held in smaller natatoriums and basketball arenas, the event now moves to a football stadium for the first time. Lucas Oil Stadium offers a capacity that can accommodate a much larger crowd, with opportunities to engage new fans through theme nights and partnerships with local sports teams. The night sessions, where athletes will qualify for the Olympics, are expected to be memorable with enhanced production elements akin to Monday Night Football or WWE.
The football stadium setting also provides benefits for the athletes, with ample space for warmup pools located close to the competition pool. Coaches and athletes are looking forward to the improved setup, with amenities like quiet areas, massages, therapy dogs, and mental health experts available to help manage nerves and focus. The organizers aim to create an intimate atmosphere within the vast stadium, ensuring that the athletes and coaches have the support they need to perform at their best during this pivotal event.
As the event approaches, the team behind the U.S. Olympic Trials is preparing to put their plan to the test. The logistics of hosting a swimming event in a football stadium bring unique challenges that require careful planning and coordination. However, the organizers are confident that they have created an environment that will not only meet the needs of the athletes but also provide a memorable experience for fans. With innovative design and careful attention to detail, the upcoming Olympic Trials are set to be a landmark event in the world of swimming, showcasing the sport in a new and exciting way for both participants and spectators.
