GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Ocala’s Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training Center (FAST) has been selected to host the 2023, 2024 & 2025 Florida High School Swimming & Diving State Championships. In a partnership with both the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau (OMCVB)  and FAST, Florida’s best high school swimmers and divers will converge on the recently constructed indoor aquatics facility located in North Central Florida. The 2023 events will take place on Friday & Saturday, November 3^rd & 4^th with Classes 1A & 2A, and Friday & Saturday, November 10^th & 11^th for Classes 3A & 4A. Future event dates in 2024 & 2025 are also scheduled to take place in November.

Completed back in 2022, the 82,000 square foot facility is conveniently located off the interstate in Ocala. The indoor pool, which will host all championship meets, features a pool deck for up to 800 athletes and coaches, as well adequate space and seating for up to 2,000 spectators, all within in a climate-controlled environment. The facility is well known within the swimming circuit and has already played host to other similar events. These include multiple FHSAA District and Regional meets, USA Swimming Futures Championship, as well a head-to-head dual meet between the University of Florida and Florida State University swimming teams held back in January of this year.  

“Throughout my years, the FHSAA has had the chance to partner with many outstanding facilities and people, each giving our student-athletes an amazing opportunity to showcase their individual talents on the championship stage” said Executive Director, Craig Damon. “I would like to thank OMCVB and FAST, as they will not only provide a high-quality championship level experience to our student-athletes but will also offer our attendees and spectators a championship level indoor aquatic experience as well.” 

“We are beyond excited and proud to be hosting FHSAA here in Ocala/Marion County for the next three years,” said Loretta Shaffer, Tourist Development Director for Marion County. “A swimming and diving event of this size would not be possible for our community if not for our amazing state-of-the-art Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training facility. Events like this bring a huge benefit to Marion County with athletes, coaches, friends and family staying in town, frequenting restaurants, shops and more. Over the three years, FHSAA is estimated to bring a total economic impact more than $3.1 million the area and we are grateful FHSAA has selected Ocala/Marion County as their host destination.”

A complete schedule of the event along with additional details will be released as the event draws near. Tickets will be sold via GoFan for $11 per session if purchased in advance, and $14 if purchased the day of. For additional information on the event or other important dates, please visit the swimming and diving sport page.

 

The Florida High School Athletic Association supervises and regulates interscholastic athletic programs for high school students at member public, private and charter schools. The organization also recognizes and honors academic achievement among student-athletes at over 800 middle, junior and senior high schools statewide. Headquartered in Gainesville, it is the official governing body for interscholastic athletics in Florida.