Three years ago, Shana Ferguson had a big dream. She was at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska, and she wondered what it would be like to have the event in a football stadium. Now, three years later, her dream is becoming a reality.
The upcoming U.S. Olympic Trials will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This is the first time that the Olympic qualifying meet will be held in a football stadium. The event organizers are expecting a record-breaking crowd of close to 30,000 people for the first night of finals.
The pool for the event was built over the past three weeks and holds nearly two million gallons of water. The pool deck is elevated, creating enough depth for the three pools – one competition pool and two warmup pools. The competition pool is 50 meters long and three meters deep, the standard depth for elite swimming.
The event organizers have worked hard to create a unique and exciting experience for both the athletes and the fans. The stadium seating configuration allows for a capacity of around 30,000 people, with special theme nights planned to attract new fans to the sport of swimming.
One of the most exciting features of the event will be the night sessions, where athletes will walk onto the pool deck with a 50-foot-tall video board behind them. The event organizers are aiming for a level of lighting and production similar to WWE, creating a truly memorable experience for everyone in attendance.
The warmup pool setup is also a significant improvement from previous trials, with the warmup pools located just a curtain away from the competition pool. This will provide more space for the athletes and coaches to prepare and relax before their races.
In addition to the exciting atmosphere for the fans, the event organizers have also focused on providing a great experience for the athletes behind the scenes. There will be quiet areas, massages, therapy dogs, nutritional assistance, mental health experts, and even a video game room available to the participants.
Overall, the U.S. Olympic Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium are shaping up to be a truly unique and unforgettable event. The organizers have put a lot of effort into creating an amazing experience for everyone involved, and in just a week, the event will finally be put to the test.