Swimming and Diving

Omaha Ready for Return of Olympic Trials in 2012


The Qwest Center in Omaha will be the site of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials after hosting the meet for the first time in 2008.

 

Olympic Swim Trials to Return to Omaha in 2012

The state of Nebraska, the Midwest and the entire swimming community took a monumental step on June 28, 2005, when USA Swimming announced Omaha as the host city for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials. After the 2008 Trials proved to be a resounding success, officials from USA Swimming and the Omaha Sports Commission announced that the event will return to Omaha for the 2012 Trials.

 

"We are thrilled to bring the Olympic Trials back to Omaha in 2012," said Chuck Wielgus, USA Swimming executive director. "The 2008 Trials were a tremendous event, offering a fantastic experience for our athletes, fans, families and coaches. We look forward to not only re-creating that excitement, but building on it, and putting together an even better show in 201. We are fortunate to have great partners in the Omaha Sports Commission, the U.S. Olympic Committee, NBC and our coporate partner family, and together, I am confident that we will raise the bar on our sport's marquee event."

 

The 2012 Trials will take place from June 25 to July 2, as the Qwest Center will once again install a temporary indoor pool. Two 50-meter pools will be installed in the 18,300-seat arena, reducing capacity to approximately 14,000.

 

The 2008 Trials drew a record 160,003 fans over eight days and 15 sessions. Swimmers competing at the event set a total on nine world records and 21 American records.

 

The Qwest Center has served as a home away from home for Husker athletics the past two years. The NU volleyball team has played at the facility numerous times, including the 2006 championship when the Huskers won their third national championship. Nebraska has also hosted the Big 12 Wrestling Championships at the Qwest Center and the men's basketball team played there in a game against Oregon in 2007. In December of 2008, the NCAA Volleyball Final Four returned to Omaha for the second time in three years, welcoming the Husker volleyball team back, where they lost in the semifinals to eventual champion Penn State.

 

2012 Olympic Swim Trials Links