The Lifeguard Store

Low Attendance...

     At the recent US Open, and a few months ago at the World Championship Trials – we saw some outstanding Olympic-esque swimming in fantastic venues.  We saw the brightest heroes of the sport on deck and within arm’s reach for days at a time.  They were in our collective “back yards”.  That being said, the attendance was pathetic.  We have outstanding fans in such locations as Indianapolis, and Southern California – so where were they?  

As one of the outspoken spokesmen for our sport, Gold Medal Mel Stewart just wrote,

    “Foot traffic through these venues was less than desirable. All of the USA Swimming Club Teams within a 100 mile radius could have been marketed to aggressively, invite to come to at “no fee,” incentivized to attend. USA Swimming could’ve distributed goodie bags to each and every Club Team swimmer. Their swimwear brand partners could’ve and (dare I say) would’ve paid for it.”

So, what should USA Swimming do to increase “butts in seats” at our biggest events.  Just because it’s not the Olympic Trials, shouldn’t we have a rabid fan base ready to get in the minivan?!