{"id":396569,"date":"2019-10-05T15:40:42","date_gmt":"2019-10-05T22:40:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=396569"},"modified":"2019-10-05T15:40:42","modified_gmt":"2019-10-05T22:40:42","slug":"international-swimming-league-debut-an-atmospheric-look","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/international-swimming-league-debut-an-atmospheric-look\/","title":{"rendered":"International Swimming League Debut \u2014\u00a0an Atmospheric Look"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the first day of the International Swimming League in the books, there is plenty to reflect on \u2014 in the water and out.<\/p>\n

The atmosphere was unlike any swim meet in the past, with light and sound as much on display as the swimmers.<\/p>\n

The races had the feel of an NBA All-Star game as the live DJ blared energetic music the second each race hit the water and kept the crowd feeling the music between races.<\/p>\n

The athletes were feeling the energy as well and put forth some strong swimming<\/a> in the water as teammates cheered them on.<\/p>\n

COMPLETE ISL COVERAGE<\/a><\/p>\n

FIRST DAY RECAP<\/a><\/p>\n

Here is what made it unique:<\/p>\n

\"isl-lilly-king\"

Lilly King at the International Swimming League debut. Photo Courtesy: Dan D’Addona<\/p><\/div>\n

From the box<\/h2>\n

Each team had a team box to sit in when they were not racing. The four boxes had digital screens on the front and in the back, behind the swimmers with their logos shining during the races.<\/p>\n

It had the feel of having box seats at a baseball game or even watching a friend in a symphony or an opera. Every athlete when asked about the boxes were pleased at how the team atmosphere flowed through them.<\/p>\n

And it did \u2026 for the most part.<\/p>\n

Early in the meet, many of the team boxes were near empty as swimmers were warming up for their events mid- or late-meet \u2014\u00a0meaning no teammates were cheering on their racers\u2014 but in the final session they were full again, giving the final few events extra energy.<\/p>\n