INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, October 16. INDIANAPOLIS has been selected to host the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Diving, USA Diving announced on Monday.
USA Diving made the decision following final bid presentations from four cities on Saturday. The other cities making presentations were Columbus, Ohio; Huntersville, N.C.; and Seattle, Wash.
The Trials will be held June 18-22, 2008, at Indiana University Natatorium on the campus of IUPUI.
"USA Diving was fortunate to be presented with outstanding bids from four great cities. It was a difficult decision, but we're excited to announce that Indianapolis will host the 2008 Trials," Todd Smith, Executive Director of USA Diving, said. "It's a great sports city that has truly embraced diving, and the numerous cultural and entertainment opportunities in the downtown area make Indianapolis an attractive location for the Trials."
Indianapolis served as the site of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Diving in 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996, and the 2006 Speedo U.S. Open and Kaiser Permanente National Diving Championships also were held at the IU Natatorium.
"The IU Natatorium has a strong tradition of hosting world-class diving competitions. Even though it's 24 years old, it's still one of the finest aquatic centers in the United States," Smith said.
USA Diving will partner with Indiana Sports Corporation, the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association, the State of Indiana, the City of Indianapolis, Indiana Starz Diving Club, Indianapolis Downtown, Inc., and the Indiana University Natatorium and Sports Complex to host the 2008 Trials.
"The USOC is committed to working in partnership with USA Diving and the Indiana Sports Corporation to provide a world-class Olympic Trials event that will be the first step towards our common goal of competitive excellence in Beijing," said Steve Roush, the USOC's Chief of Sport Performance.