100,000 tickets sold for 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in 6 weeks

With more than 100,000 tickets sold in only six weeks, many swimming fans and families around the country have secured their tickets for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming. Most of the lower bowl of CenturyLink Center Omaha is sold out for all 15 sessions.

Tickets to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming can be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet nationwide or online at ticketmaster.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the CenturyLink Center box office or by calling 800-745-3000.

VISA, a long-standing supporter of USA Swimming, is the exclusive method of online purchase.

Omaha Sports Commission President Harold Cliff said people around the country are purchasing all-session tickets to ensure they have a great seat for the 15-session, eight-day event from June 26 – July 3, 2016. Ticket prices are $550, $450 or $350 for the 15 sessions, which include seven morning preliminary sessions and eight evening finals.

“We’ve already sold more all-session tickets than we did in the first four months before the 2012 Trials,” Cliff said. “The all-session ticket is the most economically-priced package we offer, with the same seat locations able to be transferred among family and friends. While we anticipate offering smaller ticket packages and single tickets closer to the event, people who want the best seats at the best price should get theirs quickly.”

USA Swimming Assistant Executive Director Mike Unger said the early tickets sales rush is a strong sign that the 2016 event is likely to surpass the record 167,000 fans who attended the Trials in 2012.

“Ticket demand has been incredible, as U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials has become a can’t-miss event for fans, swimmers and their families,” said Unger. “This is the only way for our pool athletes to qualify for the Rio Olympic Games. Additionally, the event is recognized as among the best in sports, and the AquaZone gets more fun every time we come to Omaha. We really believe we will be in a sell-out situation before the start of the Trials.”

Unger also noted that the electric atmosphere around the event, the high level of competition to claim a U.S. Olympic spot and the return of Olympic legend Michael Phelps will make the competition fierce once again when the Trials begin on June 26 in Omaha.

Cliff said the 2016 Olympic Swim Trials will provide a tremendous economic benefit to Omaha. He said more than 25,000 hotel room nights have already been booked, exceeding the total room nights from the 2012 Trials.
The 2016 Trials will mark the third consecutive Olympic cycle that the Omaha Sports Commission will host the Olympic Trials for swimming in Omaha. Nebraska’s largest city was granted the bid in April 2013, after successful events as the home of the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Trials. NBC Sports televised the eight days of competition live, and the event earned a nomination in the “Sports Event of the Year” category of the illustrious Sports Business Awards.

About USA Swimming

As the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States, USA Swimming is a 400,000-member service organization that promotes the culture of swimming by creating opportunities for swimmers and coaches of all backgrounds to participate and advance in the sport through clubs, events and education. Our membership is comprised of swimmers from the age group level to the Olympic Team, as well as coaches and volunteers. USA Swimming is responsible for selecting and training teams for international competition including the Olympic Games, and strives to serve the sport through its core objectives: Build the base, Promote the sport, Achieve competitive success. For more information, visit www.usaswimming.org.

Swimming News is courtesy of USA Swimming.

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andrew
8 years ago

Michael Phelps helped put USA swimming into the spotlight. It is like going to any kind of sports event to root on your favorites.
I would definitely pay to see him swim… He seems to be in better shape than four years ago, along with a definite change in maturity.
And at a meet in Phoenix? in the last couple of months, he was breaking world records again.

Go USA! Go Michael!

Ta
9 years ago

I feel fortunate to have caught a couple sessions in Irvine last year at $15 a ticket. My two kids still talk about it.

jarrettbrown
9 years ago

I still don’t understand why it’s in Omaha. It should be in a major city like New York or Los Angeles, where more people would try to go to it. Omaha seems like there’s nothing there.

Swin Fan
Reply to  jarrettbrown
9 years ago

Because swimming is not a bandwagon sport. Those involved in the sport and want to witness greatness don’t need to pay $600/night or more for a hotel room in NYC or LA for 8 to 10 days. And why penalize the West coast or east coast people with cross country airline costs? Let the city folk witness a great part of the country and what it has to offer! Makes sense to me to host in Omaha, NE. Look at what Omaha has done for the NCAA College World Series over the years!

Jerry Bandy
Reply to  jarrettbrown
9 years ago

We went in 2012 to watch our son. Omaha does a great job of hosting the event. Hotel prices are reasonable and there are some great restaurants and bars. We were pleasantly surprised.

Phil Jackson
9 years ago

Contact my secretary for luxury box suites

CT Swim Fan
Reply to  Phil Jackson
9 years ago

Phil, I thought you worked for the N.Y. Knicks.

anita palmer
Reply to  CT Swim Fan
9 years ago

Phil I will take Luxury box seats! Who do I contact at what number????

pvdh
9 years ago

I wonder how much Phelps bumped up the prices.

Lane Four
Reply to  pvdh
9 years ago

A lot.

Robbos
Reply to  pvdh
9 years ago

How much did Phelps bump up the prices???

More like how much did Phelps bump up the interest (100K spectators), It’s Phelps-mania.
GOAT!!!!!

Robbos
Reply to  Robbos
9 years ago

Tickets not spectators!!!!

About Gold Medal Mel Stewart

Gold Medal Mel Stewart

MEL STEWART Jr., aka Gold Medal Mel, won three Olympic medals at the 1992 Olympic Games. Mel's best event was the 200 butterfly. He is a former World, American, and NCAA Record holder in the 200 butterfly. As a writer/producer and sports columnist, Mel has contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, …

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