JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The City of Jacksonville hopes to make a splash by hosting the 2016 Olympic swimming trials at the Veterans Memorial Arena.
Mayor Alvin Brown said in a news conference Tuesday, "We're talking about thousands of fans and the spotlight on our city."
Jacksonville is one of six cities chosen by the Olympic Committee as possible host sites.
"We all know it's a great sports town," said City Council President Bill Bishop. "This is our opportunity to tell the rest of the country how great we are."
City leaders say it would be a huge economic boom for Jacksonville. The last Olympic trials in Omaha brought $23 million to that city, according to the city, and Mayor Brown says it will come at no upfront cost to taxpayers.
Of course, the city would have to build a pool inside the arena. City Sports and Entertainment Director Alan Verlander said it's doable.
"Well, we constructed a basketball arena on the deck of an aircraft carrier," said Verlander. "If we can do that, we can master building a pool in an arena."
It's estimated the event would bring in about 200,000 visitors. Jacksonville just has to outshine five other cities: Omaha, Indianapolis, Greensboro, San Antonio, and St. Louis.
"Jacksonville is in it to win it. And we need your support," said Mayor Brown.
City leaders say the Olympic Committee will come down soon for a site assessment. A final decision should be made by late April or early May.
