I cannot tell a lie. I love the Olympics. And in particular, my heart is particularly fond of the summer games. From team sports like USA Basketball and USA Volleyball to the combination of team and solo efforts in gymnastics, diving, track and field, I can’t get enough of each and every event. As soon as I get up, I check to see what’s occurred while I slept. And then all day long, the TV plays in the background throughout the day as I work at home. I’m an Olympics fan girl.
I’d love to go to the games during my lifetime. But let’s just say it’s not in my budget or calendar to travel to Paris this year. Who else is in the same boat? Even if you can’t take a month off or afford pricey travel experience to experience one of the greatest sporting spectacles in history, you can witness Team USA’s finest athletes in action right here in Indianapolis.
And best of all? A lot of these events are affordable and some are even free. Count me in. This Olympic cheerleader could not be more excited.
Of course I’m talking about the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for the highly esteemed Swim Team.
Construction has already begun on the Olympic Sized pool at Lucas Oil Stadium and will be ready for fans and athletes alike when the festivities begin on June 15. How amazing is it that the same field where the Indianapolis Colts play will be blue instead of green and filled with nearly a half million gallons of water?
Ticket Deals
From June 15-23, you have nine days to catch 17 sessions of speedy swimmers cutting their way through those waters while dreaming of Olympic gold. Single session tickets begin at as little as $15 (with group tickets available for your entire swim team, too). Each night has a special theme. So you can have more fun, save on snacks, or benefit from special discounts. From Father’s Day to Student Night to Women in Sports and more, you’ll love the extra emphasis on an already amazing event. But don’t delay, because tickets are selling fast!
Free Fun
But even if you’re not attending the competitions, there’s plenty of free fun to be had, starting with a wee bit of Paris right here in Indy. The 66 foot tall Indianapolis Tower will be located outside the Indianapolis Convention Center on Georgia Street. It’s your perfect photo opp of a world landmark in central Indiana. Or you could visit the FREE Toyota Aqua Zone located inside the Convention Center. Snag autographs from soon-to-be Olympic stars, shop in a swim retail super store, enjoy an indoor beer garden, and catch dozens of brand activations.
Did I mention the free concerts? Each night of the trials, OneAmerica Financial proudly presents a different concert on Georgia Street. Eight bands will entertain and delight guests from out of town and locals alike.
Swim IN Safety
One of my favorite parts about the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Swimming is the lasting impact it brings to Indianapolis and the greater state of Indiana. Over 50,000 Hoosiers, ages 5 and up will gain water safety skills through the charitable efforts of USA Swimming and the Indiana Water Safety Program. Not only will the city be filled with fanfare of a once in a lifetime sporting event, but all across the state more kids and adults will be able to swim on their own. What a gift to our citizens
Bring on the iconic Olympic Torch and the five circles of the flag. It’s time to cheer on our finest athletes as they prepare for the world’s stage and maybe have a little free fun while we’re at it. What a great way to splash into summer!