A Message from Russ: Just Add Water

In 2020, San Antonio Sports and Northside Swim Center will host three major championship events: U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championships, USA Water Polo’s Welcome to Texas Shootout, and USA Diving’s Junior National Championships. The estimated economic impact of these three events is expected to be $4.5 million. It is the 50th anniversary of U.S. Master’s Spring National Championship, which will be held April 23-26 and is expected to draw several Olympians and more than 2,500 swimmers. USA Water Polo expects to double the participation of the 2019 shootout, attracting 70 teams over Memorial Day weekend. And more than 500 divers will vie for 24 titles on 1-meter, 3-meter and platform over the eight days at the Junior Nationals, July 26-Aug. 2.

Our mission is to transform our community through the power of sport and one way we do that is through hosting premier events. To date, the impact of events we’ve hosted has delivered more than $853 million to our local economy. Just as importantly, the events we host leave a legacy by engaging and inspiring future generations.

Recently, San Antonio Sports COO Jenny Carnes and Northside Swim Center’s Aquatic Coordinator, Kristin Libardoni attended the United States Aquatic Sports Convention to provide a status update to U.S. Masters Swimming, but also to learn what else can be hosted at this impressive facility which was built as part of the 2008 Bexar County bond and has allowed us to attract major water-related events. We know that San Antonio is a favorite destination for many competitors, and we look forward to hosting many more championships to come.