(May 1, 2017)
Omaha, NE - The U.S. Olympic Swim Trials will return to Omaha in 2020 for the fourth year.
USA Swimming Interim Chief Executive Officer Mike Unger made the announcement Monday at the CenturyLink Center, calling Omaha the perfect city for the event. “USA Swimming has had great success in the City of Omaha,” said Unger. “We could never have predicted the success we have had at the CenturyLink Center and in Omaha.”
The trials have been held in Omaha in 2008, 2012 and 2016. The 2020 trials are scheduled June 21-28, with eight nights of live television coverage.
“The U.S. Olympic Trials is one of the premier sporting events in the country. It’s a gold medal event for Omaha and a huge economic win for the city,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. “The swimmers, coaches, families and fans can once again expect a big splash to welcome them back to Omaha. You can count on all of us for another successful event in 2020.”
In 2016, the economic impact to Omaha was estimated at $74 million.
The Omaha Sports Commission, the City of Omaha, and the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority (MECA) have worked for months to bring the trials back to Omaha, the USA Swimming Board of Directors voted to return to Omaha.
Omaha Sports Commission Chairman Chris Kircher said, We would not be making this announcement today without the support of Mayor Stothert and the City of Omaha, it was critical to bringing the trials here.”
Last year, the athletes that qualified for the Olympics went on to win 95 medals. “Where these athletes get their exposure is right here in Omaha,” said Unger.
“Thank you to USA Swimming, to the Omaha Sports Commission, MECA and everyone on our city team for working so hard to bring the trials back to Omaha. We will once again have the opportunity to show a worldwide audience that Omaha is a great city to live, visit and achieve your dreams,” said Mayor Stothert.