INDIANAPOLIS — The U.S. Olympic swim team trials is one of many major events that put Indianapolis on the sports capital map.
Held inside of Lucas Oil Stadium, it's a first-of-its-kind event, on a football field transformed into an Olympic-sized pool.
"We're seeing strong regional travel. Chicago, Louisville, Cincinnati and Columbus are four cities that are arriving daily with swim clubs and families and friends to come see this event," said Chris Gahl, executive vice president and chief marketing officer with Visit Indy.
According to Gahl, tourism is booming, especially with new groups like a major medical association securing convention space in the future.
"They're here actually on the grounds inside swimming. They saw the setup they've toured all of our hotels, they looked at Pan AM Plaza, the expansion, and they said we're going to do this. We want in for 2030," Gahl said.
With so many visitors, many wonder if Indianapolis can host the U.S. Olympic swim trials in 2028?
"That would really, I think, show this community is right for going into the games of LA28. I think this would be a great place to host the trials and we're excited about what we've shown what we can do," said Patrick Talty, president of Indiana Sports Corp.
USA Swimming partnered with Indiana Sports Corp to host the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
"We're showing rights holders and other people who have events that this is what happens when you bring your event to Indy — we just raise the bar," Talty said.
OneAmerica Financial told 13News that they are supporting USA Swimming for a total of six years through the next Olympics of 2028.