Editor Update: University of Texas and pros will race at this meet.
The Fort Lauderdale Open is set to return in 2026 with one of the most loaded fields in meet history. The event will run April 29 through May 2 at the iconic Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, hosted by Swim Fort Lauderdale, the City of Fort Lauderdale, and Visit Lauderdale.
Last year’s edition of the meet delivered fireworks — two world records fell in one day. Katie Ledecky shattered the women’s 800-meter freestyle world record, and Gretchen Walsh broke the women’s 100-meter butterfly world record twice in a single day, first in prelims and then again in finals. With that kind of precedent, expectations for 2026 are sky-high.
The field reflects it. Some of the most powerful collegiate and club programs in the country have committed to compete, including:
- University of Florida
- University of Virginia
- University of Texas & Pros
- NC State University
- Ohio State University
- Auburn University
- Princeton University
- Arizona State University
- Bolles School Sharks
- SwimMAC Carolina
- Nashville Aquatic Club
- Sarasota Sharks
Meet Schedule
- Wednesday, April 29: 1500 freestyle (timed finals)
- Thursday, April 30: Prelims & Finals
- Friday, May 1: Prelims & Finals
- Saturday, May 2: Prelims & Finals + 800 freestyle timed finals
Meet Entries
- January 27, 2026: Online Meet Entries Open
The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center continues to establish itself as a cornerstone of elite-level racing in the U.S., a venue that blends its rich swimming history with a world-class renovation and fast, reliable water.
With this kind of lineup and a proven record of producing historic performances, the 2026 Fort Lauderdale Open promises to be one of the premier meets of the year.
Courtesy of the Fort Lauderdale Open
Hi, Will be coming from France to attend I cannot find where to buy tickets on line ? Any ideas ? Thanks
Really dumb and shortsighted decision by USA Swimming to not make this an official Pro Swim Series stop. I expect we’ll see a lot of fast times at this meet, but with no proper television coverage it won’t get the spotlight it deserves.
can they make a schedule where Kate Douglass can comfortably swim the 100 free!?
Why for just one individual?
Is there a reason you have to specify University of Texas (Women & Men) and not for everyone else?
I think it’s the only team with separate programs
I know Carol coaches the women, but isn’t Bob over both programs?
It only said women at first
I updated the post, and I did it wrong. I just undated to U of Texas & Pros. (Sorry!)
No problem. Was just curious
I loved being able to swim long course and short course during 1 lap swim session. I walked 30 feet to the next pool.
Reliable water, always like that.
Fort Lauderdale should host a meet every year. Great location and venue. Also, love the timing about a month after NCAAs.
They also have a hardworking staff of coaches, officials, and administrators who have worked together for many years. They truly understand what teamwork is, and without them, that venue could have easily become condominiums.
Doesn’t make sense that this isn’t a Pro Swim Series stop, HOWEVER, I actually think it’ll be a better meet w/out USA Swimming’s series branding. Ft Lauderdale can run it more openly and creatively. I think that’s the intention, and I think they intend to develop this meet more and more over the years.
I hope Santa Clara can get back to something liek that
Could make a whole tour of meets that used to be on the circuit but aren’t anymore.
Charlotte
Namesnik
Santa Clara
FLL
Atlanta Open