Danube Arena Opens in Hungary, Set for FINA World Championships

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Representatives from FINA and several top Hungarian swimmers today gathered at the arena that will host this summer’s World Championships in Budapest—now officially dubbed the Danube Arena.

According to a release from FINA, the facility is not ready for a grand opening, but the competition pool and warm-up pool are both open to swimmers for practice. The swimming events for the World Championships will be held in that pool from July 23 to July 30.

In a ceremony with FINA Executive Director Cornel Marculescu and Viktor Orban both present, Budapest mayor Istvan Tarlos gave the arena’s keys to Olympic gold medalist Katinka Hosszu. Hosszu and fellow Hungarian swimming greats Laszlo Cseh, Daniel Gyurta and Peter Bernek all swam in the pool briefly.

Government commissioner Balazs Furjes explained that his group had delivered the promised facility ahead of schedule.

“However, we proved once more, that international federations could rely on us, Hungarians, as we are keeping our promises. Few would have believed last May, when we laid down the cornerstone here, that we would be ready on time, or now let me say, two months before the deadline set, while keeping the cost plans.”

Marculescu heaped praise upon the facility as an ideal venue for FINA’s biannual showcase.

“I’ve never witnessed something similar in the past, to deliver a construction like this on such a short term. To tell the truth, when I’m here, I don’t feel I’m in a swimming pool. This place is much more than just a pool. It’s a masterpiece, a perfect setting for the World Championships in the summer.”

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FINA Executive Director Cornel Marculescu and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Photo Courtesy: FINA

Read the full post from FINA here.

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Frank Elenio
7 years ago

Sammy Viger give this a visit when you’re abroad hahaha

Askar Amirkhanov
7 years ago

Katinka Hosszu congrats!

Erno Tekauer
7 years ago

My tax dollars at work!

Ryan Rager
7 years ago

Monika Cassidy ever swim here? Gorgeous looking facility!

Monika Cassidy
7 years ago
Reply to  Ryan Rager

No, looks new..I’ll check it out when I’m back for a visit 🙂

Ryan Rager
7 years ago
Reply to  Ryan Rager

You better and take pics!

Otters Swimming
7 years ago

Erika Vass thought you would like this

Erika Vass
7 years ago

It would be nice. ?

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