By: Sophie Li
On June 15, over 1000 athletes and a record 20,689 fans walked into the Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. But they aren’t here for football. Instead, athletes compete in the US Olympic Swimming Trials, battling for a ticket to the Olympics in an enormous, three-pool arena.
The stadium transformation was a massive undertaking by USA Swimming CEO Tim Hinchey and businessman Scott Davison. As the number of spectators at the trials outgrew traditional arenas and even a basketball stadium in Omaha, an NFL stadium seemed like the next step.
“We’re taking a swing,” Hinchey tells Sports Illustrated. “We’re seizing the opportunity to amplify the sport.”
This stadium has a capacity of 30,000, much larger than the 12,000-person capacity at Omaha. It’s so big the chlorine smell is barely detectable from the stands.
The massive project was taken on by the Italian company Myrtha Pools. The stadium was repurposed into three pools: two for warmup and one for competition, separated by a mere curtain. There are also therapy dogs, hot tubs, and massage areas provided for swimmers to rest and recharge.
Another great part about the football stadium setup?
“Having space,” said University of Texas head coach Bob Bowman to The Athletic. “In Omaha, it got so crowded that I just stopped going into the main pool and watching the races because I couldn’t get over there quick enough to help people warm up and warm down.”
The new stadium offers 1,200 seats for athletes and coaches, leading to a less cramped experience. It also has a 70-foot video board and a four-sided scoreboard, ensuring easy viewing for all spectators.
“The emerald-green turf is now diamond-blue water,” stadium director Eric Neuburger declares to Sports Illustrated.
Even seasoned athletes expressed amazement at the setup.
“Tonight blew it out of the water,” Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky tells Sports Illustrated. She qualified for her fourth Olympic appearance on Day 1 by winning the 400 freestyle. “It was a pretty cool start to the week.”