Making Waves in Ann Arbor: EMU’s Jones Natatorium Hosts USA Artistic Swimming Collegiate Championships

Ann Arbor continues to rise as a standout destination for sports of all kinds—and the recent USA Artistic Swimming Collegiate Championships at Eastern Michigan University’s Jones Natatorium in Ypsilanti proved just how strong that momentum is. With top-tier facilities, seamless event execution, and a community that rallies behind every competition, the Ann Arbor area is quickly becoming a go-to host destination for national events.

Ypsilanti’s Jones Natatorium made a splash on the artistic swimming scene, earning high praise for its Olympic-caliber setup and impressive hospitality. For athletes, coaches, and spectators alike, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. And with even bigger events on the horizon—including the recently announced 2026 USA Artistic Swimming Junior Olympic Championships—the Ann Arbor area is poised to keep making waves in the world of sports tourism.

A Venue Ready for the Spotlight

In the charming city of Ypsilanti, the EMU Jones Natatorium checks all the boxes for high caliber aquatic events. Featuring a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool, a full range of diving platforms (1M, 3M, 5M, 7M, and 10M), seating for over 1,300 spectators, and a state-of-the-art sound system, the facility blends elite competition standards with spectator comfort. Onsite dining, hospitality space, and a dedicated staff who prioritize the event experience round out the venue’s winning formula.

“Their team truly cares—whether you are an events right holder, an athlete, coach or spectator,” says Meaghan Hughes, Director of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission. “It’s what makes a difference.”

Debuting on the Artistic Swimming Stage

While this was EMU’s first time hosting a major artistic swimming event, the team didn’t dive in blindly. EMU’s Jeff, the facility manager, took an intentional and proactive approach—partnering with the University of Michigan’s club team to gain firsthand knowledge of the sport and its specific needs before welcoming the collegiate championship.

That groundwork paid off. The USA Artistic Swimming Collegiate Championships came to life in Ypsilanti with standout moments, including music-fueled routines, tight-knit team camaraderie, and the thrilling presence of Olympic athletes fresh off the Paris Games.

A Ripple Effect Throughout the Community

The event didn’t just create a splash in the pool—it resonated across the Ann Arbor region. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses saw increased traffic as teams and families explored everything the city has to offer.

“I believe that the 2025 USA Artistic Swimming Collegiate National Championship was one of the best in history. The level of competition was higher than ever, and we had the support of a host city and venue that matched it. Ann Arbor Sports Commission and Eastern Michigan University delivered an athlete and spectator experience that elevated our event from solid to sensational.” – Adam Andrasko, CEO of USA Artistic Swimming

The success of this event is a testament to the dedication and strategy of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission. The team first connected with USA Artistic Swimming on the trade show circuit years ago, taking time to understand the organization’s unique needs and event goals. When EMU’s Natatorium reopened and was ready to welcome major events, the Sports Commission stepped in—connecting with local clubs to secure volunteers, providing ongoing support throughout the planning process, and ensuring every detail was covered from start to finish. Their hands-on approach, deep community ties, and unwavering commitment helped elevate the event into a truly memorable championship for the sport.

Charting a Course for the Future

Ann Arbor’s role in the aquatic sports world continues to expand, with a new major event on the horizon: the city is set to host the 2026 USA Artistic Swimming Junior Olympic Championships at EMU’s Jones Natatorium, welcoming over 1,000 athletes from across the country.

“We are excited to announce we are hosting the USA Artistic Swimming Junior Olympic Championships in 2026, with over 1,000 athletes competing. We’re also in the works on some exciting bids and hope to share even more news soon about additional aquatic events on the horizon.” – Meaghan Hughes, Director of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission

In addition to national events, the Natatorium will host a full slate of competitions in 2025, including the Michigan High School Athletic Association Boys and Girls Swimming & Diving Championships and multiple collegiate swim meets.

We Play As A Team: Inside The Ann Arbor Sports Commission

With world-class facilities, a proactive approach to partnership, and a community that shows up in full force, the Ann Arbor region is solidifying its place as a premier destination for aquatic sports and beyond.

As Meaghan Hughes of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission puts it, “It’s not just our team that wants to make your event a success—our partners and community do too. We hope we can provide your teams and families with an unforgettable experience, whether competing in the water or on land. As our new slogan says, ‘WE PLAY AS A TEAM’—and that goes far beyond just our Sports Commission.”

In Ann Arbor, you’re not just booking a venue. You’re joining a team committed to delivering excellence at every level of the game.

Contact the Ann Arbor Sports Commission team today!