Image: Peter H. Bick
Enjoy History, Fast Swimming, and More in North Carolina at Spring Nationals
Greensboro, North Carolina, is hosting its fourth USMS Spring National Championship April 30–May 3
The Greensboro Aquatic Center will host the 2026 USMS Spring National Championship for the fourth time April 30–May 3. With dozens of USMS records tumbling at the previous championships held there, the Greensboro, North Carolina, venue is expected to attract more than 1,800 competitors and more record-breaking swims.
Since opening in 2011, the Greensboro Aquatic Center has emerged as one of the nation’s premier aquatic facilities. It’s hosted multiple major USA Swimming and NCAA events, including the U.S. Open and NCAA Men’s and Women’s Swimming National Championships. Spring Nationals meet entry is expected to open by late January.
“Greensboro, North Carolina, is a sports destination city, and we’re excited to show USMS members why,” says David Hoover, Greensboro Aquatic Center’s manager. “Swimmers can enjoy the history and culture of our city while they’re competing in a state-of-the-art facility.”
Built at a cost of nearly $19 million, the Greensboro Aquatic Center offers seating for 2,500 spectators on the mezzanine and main pool deck levels.
The Greensboro Aquatic Center is one of the largest swimming facilities in the U.S., with four pools and dozens of lanes. Competition will take place in two 10-lane, 25-yard courses with an extra lane remaining vacant to enable swimmers to exit via ladder. There will also be two additional pools available for warm-up and cool-down.
Greensboro has plenty of restaurants and fun places for swimmers and their families to visit. Close to the pool are Kiosco Mexican Grill, known for margaritas and delicious south-of-the-border fare, and Mr. Tokyo, sating cravings for sushi and other Japanese fare.
Among the dozens of restaurants in downtown Greensboro are Natty Greene’s, which serves craft beers and offers brewery tours; Southend Brewing, which often has live music on Friday nights; and Joymongers Brewing Co.
Outside the downtown area, swimmers can sink their teeth into some Southern-style barbecue at Black Powder Smokehouse, Country BBQ, or Stamey’s Barbecue. Darryl’s Wood-Fired Grill, serving customers since 1970, is famous for barbecue, steaks, and fried food.
Swimmers and their families can visit museums, shopping malls, a water park, and more while staying in Greensboro. The Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum offers 20 hands-on exhibits and an outdoor learning garden. History buffs won’t want to miss the Greensboro History Museum, International Civil Rights Center and Museum, and Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. Friendly Center Mall, an outdoor shopping village with more than 100 shops and restaurants, is an ideal locale to buy new workout clothes or enjoy a meal. Wet ’N Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park offers 40 rides and five pools, including one of the largest wave pools in the country. TopGolf is another spot your children will beg you to visit.
Friendly Center Mall
International Civil Rights Center and Museum
Joymongers Brewing Company
International Civil Rights Center and Museum
Natty Greene's
