The Evansville Regional Sports Commission (ERSC), in collaboration with the Deaconess Aquatic Center (D.A.C.), is proud to announce that Evansville has been selected to host the prestigious 2026 Central Zone 14 & Under Championship swim meet. Scheduled for July 30 to August 2, 2026, this event will mark Evansville’s debut as host of this championship, drawing nearly 700 talented young swimmers from Midwest states including Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Indiana.
“Indiana Swimming Clubs & Communities have set a high standard in hosting Central Zone Championship events that have become recognized nationwide,” said Tony Young, Executive Director of Indiana Swimming. “As one of the 15 Local Swimming Committees in the Central Zone, we are proud to have this meet hosted in Indiana. We believe that Evansville offers an unmatched combination of event expertise, passion for the sport of swimming, and community pride that will result in a memorable experience for athletes, coaches, and families.”
The ERSC and D.A.C. will also host the Greater Indiana Masters Swimming Championship on April 12-13, 2025. In early 2026, the Deaconess Aquatic Center will welcome both the Missouri Valley Conference Swim and Dive Championships and the NCAA Division II National Championships in Swim and Dive. These events underscore the center’s growing reputation as a premier venue for competitive swimming and diving.
“We are thrilled that Evansville will host this major championship,” stated Brandon McClish, Executive Director of the Evansville Regional Sports Commission. “The Deaconess Aquatic Center was built for events like this, and our collaboration with Jennifer Brown and her exceptional team has been instrumental in securing this bid. The economic impact of welcoming nearly 700 competitors, along with their coaches and families, will be felt throughout our entire community.”
Hosting such a large-scale event requires significant community involvement. Volunteers will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the championship. The ERSC and D.A.C. encourage community members to follow their social media channels for updates and opportunities to get involved.