JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville is pulling out of the running to host the Olympic Swimming Trials.
The city wanted to host the trials in 2016, and even sent a team to survey the time trials in Omaha last summer to get a handle on how the process works. Mayor Alvin Brown said weeks ago the chance would've given the River City some great exposure.
But after assessing everything, the city decided today the Jacksonville Veterans Arena would not provide enough seating for all the swimming spectators.
"The arena sits 15,000," said Alan Verlander, with the city's sports and entertainment office. "But when you put in a temporary pool like that, you cut out about 3,000 seats. Because the top of the pool actually sits at the top of the basketball goal in a normal arena."
Omaha's facility had enough for the pool and 15,000 spectators.
City leaders say they're disappointed, but they'll strive to land other sporting events in Jacksonville.
