Everything you need to know about the US Olympic Swim Trials in Indy
Last week, City Editor Nicole attended a press conference where the pool for the trials was unveiled for the first time. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Indy is getting ready to make waves. The US Olympic Swim Team Trials officially begin this Saturday, June 15 — and the city is going for gold to make sure it shines on the national stage.
The trials will run nine days with nearly 1,000 athletes competing for 52 spots to represent Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.. It will all go down at Lucas Oil Stadium — marking the first time ever that this event has been held using a pool built inside an NFL stadium.
The event is expected to draw more than 250,000 fans + could break the record for the largest swim meet ever. The economic impact of the trials is expected to exceed $100 million.
Even if you’re not an Olympic swimmer, there will be lots for you to see and do to be a part of this historic event. Let’s dive in:
The Starting Block Party
To make a splash before the Trials officially begin, there will be a free Starting Block Party from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 14 on the west block of Georgia Street. That’s also where you’ll find the 66-ft replica Eiffel Tower, which will be unveiled with a ribbon cutting ceremony and first official lighting during this event. There will be performances from rapper and singer songwriter midwxst and DJ Space Bunz, both from Indianapolis, and The Main Squeeze, a funk band from Bloomington.
This is the first time the Olympic Swim Trials will be held inside an NFL stadium.
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Photo by INDYtoday team
The Trials
Obviously, the main event is the trials itself and it’s affordable for Hoosiers to attend. Tickets to prelims sessions start at $15 and finals start at $35. Each day has a prelims session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with races to determine which athletes go to semi-finals and finals. The semi-finals and finals sessions take place from 8 to 10 p.m., with an Olympian named to Team USA every night.
To make it fun, and to help you decide when to attend, there are different themes every night. See the programming schedule. There are several ticketing options from all sessions to single-day to single session tickets.
Home Again | Monday, June 10-Wednesday, Dec. 25 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | Included with museum admission | The long-awaited exhibition features three brand-new sculptures centered around the notion of home and shelter.
Tuesday, June 11
Indianapolis UserCon | Tuesday, June 11 | 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, 1 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Get connected with a vibrant community of individuals committed to sharing ideas and helping each other evolve in their careers.
Wednesday, June 12
Wednesday Night Trivia | Wednesday, June 12-Wednesday, July 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Guggman Haus Brewing Co., 1701 Gent Ave., Indianapolis | Free to play | Enjoy food, drinks, and trivia for a chance to win prizes.
Thursday, June 13
Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream | Thursday, June 13 | 7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $9+ | Cheer on the Fever as they take on the Atlanta Dream.
Friday, June 14
White River Paddle Days and Festival | Friday, June 14-Sunday, June 16 | 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Frank’s Paddlesports Livery, 3001 N. White River Pkwy Dr. W., Indianapolis | $40-$80 | The White River Alliance invites all interested in racing by canoe, tandem kayak, or single kayak to be a part of the fun.
Conner Prairie invites Hoosiers to “Reflect Forward”
Adventure — and fun — await you at Conner Prairie. | Photo courtesy of Conner Prairie
This year, when guests visit Conner Prairie, they’re encouraged to “reflect forward” as they explore the museum’s innovative experiences and unwavering connection to the past.
By illuminating who and what shaped the past into what it was, Conner Prairie helps curious visitors to become more informed, connected citizens for the world that will be.
From historical experiences to connecting with nature, the museum offers plenty of opportunities for guests to embark on a journey into the future as they look into the past.
This morning, the city is breaking ground on a new 70,000-sqft Indianapolis Animal Care Services shelter. The facility located at 5001 E. Raymond St. will provide lots of natural light, noise reduction, outdoor spaces, and a medical care suite. (WTHR)
Coming Soon
ICYMI, Tinker Coffee Co. announced three new location openings. We already told you about the two in IU Health hospitals, and the third new location will be taking over the former Chalet at 5555 N. Illinois St. It’s expected to begin service late summer or early fall.
Opening
Penn & Beech Candle Co. is getting ready to celebrate its grand opening in Fishers’ Nickel Plate District on Saturday, June 15. Get to the shop at 8698 E. 116th St. early because the first 22 people there at 10 a.m. get a free candle pour.
Tech
Fishers-based tech startup Spokenote is gaining traction with local sports teams after landing a first-of-its-kind sponsorship deal with the Pacers. Now, Indy Eleven is also using Spokenote’s QR code technology to connect with fans via promotional coasters. About 5,000 coasters have been distributed. (IBJ)
Cause
United Way of Central Indiana is looking for volunteers to “Go All IN” and give back to their community on Friday, June 21. Opportunities include packing meals, landscaping the Cultural Trail, and much more. Learn more about how to get involved. (WRTV)
Eat
Hamilton County’s Tenderloin Tuesdays is returning for its 15th season from Tuesday, June 25 to Tuesday, July 30. More than 40 restaurants will be participating + the program will give back to local food pantries. After redeeming four offers, you can get a commemorative T-shirt, while supplies last. Get your mobile passport.
Sports
The season is over, so Locked On Pacers host Tony East and Caitlin Cooper from Basketball, She Wrote are teaming up to review the season of each Pacers player. Today, they focus on a trio of forwards: Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker, and Doug McDermott.
Shop
Woman-owned business Royal Highnies uses airy, 400-thread count Pima cotton to create luxury loungewear for the whole family. It all began with boxer shorts, and now, trademarked Highnies are sold in over 500 retailers — but you can snag free hats for Father’s Day exclusively online with code ROYALDADDY24.*
Health
What happens when you combine German engineering with the world’s most trusted name in hearing care? The biggest breakthrough in hearing technology in more than a decade: the Horizon hearing aid. (This is not your grandpa’s hearing device.)See if you qualify for a free trial.*
Community
🛝 Slide on by
Indy Parks hosting community open houses
The upgrades to Frederick Douglass park included a new playground, plus lots of other indoor amenities at the Family Center. | Photo by Indy Parks
A couple weeks ago, Indy Parks cut the ribbon on the newly completed Frederick Douglass Family Center + playground at 1616 E. 25th St. The $23 million project was part of Mayor Hogsett’s Circle City Forward Initiative and Indy Parks’ Master Plans to enhance and evaluate future park development.
Thanks to Lilly Endowment’s $80 million investment in Indy Parks infrastructure + facilities, a total of 58 local parks are benefiting from enhancements, like updated playgrounds, new amenities, and more.
Indy Parks wants the community to be involved in the process, so it’s hosting several Community Open House events to create an opportunity for residents and community members to provide input and learn more about upcoming projects. The next open house is tomorrow from 6:30-8 p.m. at Perry Park.
Fun fact: The Olympic Swim Trials in Indianapolis will be a historic moment because this year marks the 100-year anniversary since the 1924 US Olympic Swimming Trials were held in Broad Ripple Park. In a (back)stroke of coincidence, the 1924 Olympics were held in Paris, too.
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