Article reshared Courtesy of SwimSwam
With the Pro Swim Series not heading to Fort Lauderdale next year, the city returns the Fort Lauderdale Open in 2026 with a loaded field committed to race. Current photo via Swim Fort Lauderdale.
by SwimSwam
November 12th, 2025
Editor Update: University of Texas and pros will race at this meet.
The Fort Lauderdale Open is set to return in 2026 with one of the most loaded fields in meet history. The event will run April 29 through May 2 at the iconic Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, hosted by Swim Fort Lauderdale, the City of Fort Lauderdale, and Visit Lauderdale.
Last year’s edition of the meet delivered fireworks — two world records fell in one day. Katie Ledecky shattered the women’s 800-meter freestyle world record, and Gretchen Walsh broke the women’s 100-meter butterfly world record twice in a single day, first in prelims and then again in finals. With that kind of precedent, expectations for 2026 are sky-high.
The field reflects it. Some of the most powerful collegiate and club programs in the country have committed to compete, including:
- University of Florida
- University of Virginia
- University of Texas & Pros
- NC State University
- Ohio State University
- Auburn University
- Princeton University
- Arizona State University
- Bolles School Sharks
- SwimMAC Carolina
- Nashville Aquatic Club
- Sarasota Sharks
Meet Schedule
- Wednesday, April 29: 1500 freestyle (timed finals)
- Thursday, April 30: Prelims & Finals
- Friday, May 1: Prelims & Finals
- Saturday, May 2: Prelims & Finals + 800 freestyle timed finals
Meet Entries
- January 27, 2026: Online Meet Entries Open
The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center continues to establish itself as a cornerstone of elite-level racing in the U.S., a venue that blends its rich swimming history with a world-class renovation and fast, reliable water.
With this kind of lineup and a proven record of producing historic performances, the 2026 Fort Lauderdale Open promises to be one of the premier meets of the year.
Courtesy of the Fort Lauderdale Open