Drawing an estimated 250,000 fans, the nine-day and nine-night US swimming trials are set to take the stage June 15-23 at Lucas Oil Stadium right here in the circle city.
In advance of the event, USA Swimming LIVE, in partnership with Purdue University, announced an array of features and events for guests and visitors to take part in the weeks leading up to the trials.
Included in these events is the installment of a 66-foot, 19,000 lb. replica of the Eiffle Tower to be installed at the corner of Georgia St. and Capitol Ave. to signify the destination of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Expected to be put in place by June 10, the Eiffle Tower will be crafted from Indiana Steel and will be constructed by the Latinas Welding Guild, an Indiana-based company.
“At the Latinas Welding Guild, we are proud to build something that will create lifelong memories for the USA Swimming athletes and everyone who comes downtown to participate in the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials,” said Consuelo Lockhart, founder and executive director of the Latinas Welding Guild in a press release.
The theme of the events in downtown Indianapolis will be themed around water, pools, and all things swimming, with more than 1,000 competitive swimmers vying for 52 spots on Team USA. Indy Sports Corp., in a press release, also announced the city is expected to bring in nearly $100 million from the event itself, and the series of activities available to locals and tourists downtown.
In addition to the Eiffle Tower installation, Indy Sports Corp. also announced a variety of new art installations around the Georgia St. corridor from local artist centering around water and swimming themes. Also announced is the placement of a swim-up bar on Georgia St., the return of SPARK! On the circle, and a graphics presentation by Downtown Indy Inc. each night to honor veterans.
“Our swim up bar will feature pool party and swim lane decor, and be a place to get away in between swimming trials sessions to enjoy a cold beverage, local eats, and sunshine. We also encourage the downtown business community to take advantage of this spot to host your meetings or connect with colleagues and friends at the end of the workday,” said Karin Sarratt, executive director of OneAmerica financial in a press release.
The main event announced by Indy Sports Corp. is a 10-day concert series extending throughout all of the days Indianapolis will be hosting the trials.
The series will begin June 14 at 5 p.m. with The Starting Block Party, a party stretching across Georgia St until 9:30 p.m. The Main Squeeze, a funk band from Bloomington is expected to perform from 8-9:30 p.m., with other activities and performances open to the public.
On the same stage, USA Swimming LIVE has arranged a showcase of other musical performances free to the public daily from 2-7 p.m. from June 15-23. Listed below are the main acts for each day, who will begin their performances at 5:30 p.m. each night.
June 15 – lovelytheband
June 16 – John Driskell Hopkins (Hop from Zac Brown Band)
June 17 – The Motet
June 18 – Saved By The 90s
June 19 – Brittney Spencer
June 20 – Taylor Swift Night: The Taylor Party
June 21 – Fastball
June 22 – To Be Announced
June 23 – Six Foot Blonde
“Taking the world-class events to another level is what we do best in Indianapolis and these nine days will be something everyone will want to see and be part of,” said Patrick Talty, president of Indy Sports Corp. in a press release.
While these events will be free to the public, those looking to buy tickets to the trials can do so at usaswimming.org/trialstickets
Contact Staff Writer Hanna Rauworth at 317.762.7854 or follow her at @hanna.rauworth
