4th Annual Citrus Classic Winter Training

While most of the nation is under a layer of snow, Mesa, Arizona puts on the Citrus Classic Winter Training and Swim Meet event, and what a show it is! Hosting winter training and developing the winter swim competition, Citrus Classic, was an effort spearheaded by a partnership between Visit Mesa, Mesa Public Schools, City of Mesa and Mesa Aquatics Club. Modeled after similar winter training events in warm weather locales, Mesa has welcomed an average of 13 colleges and over 300 swimmers and coaches the previous three years.

"We recognize Mesa's strengths as a sports destination and strive to be a catalyst when it comes to hosting events like this," says Josh Todd, sports manager for Visit Mesa. "We boast some of the best swimming facilities in the country, with Skyline and Kino being heated pools, Mesa shines as a winter destination so opening our facilities to these teams at this time of year made a lot of sense.  In 2013/14 these college kids will be able to train and compete in the same pools that just hosted Olympians during the USA Swimming Grand Prix in April."

The 2013/14 winter training session will run throughout December and January. Coaches and planners are encouraged to book their own trip to Mesa with dates that work best for their team.  Training in Mesa will take place at Kino Aquatic Center and Skyline Aquatic Center. We will also feature two swim meet during the month long event in accordance with NCAA regulations. The public is welcome to attend and admission is free.

Coaches and swimmers are not just limited to pool time, the Citrus Classic also offers dryland training, weight room access, yoga, hiking, team building activities and more! You can customize your training schedules while in Mesa to include 2 a days, 3 a days, and still have time to enjoy our weather and attractions. The only requirement of teams is to stay in a Mesa Citrus Classic Participating hotel, which puts you in a perfect location near the pools and the entire Valley of the Sun.  There is so much to take in around the Phoenix Metro during this time of year, your trip will be an affordable success!  

Teams that participated in the 2012/2013 Citrus Classic include:

Thanks to our event partners:

If you're interested in being a partner or sponsor for this unique event, please contact Josh Todd.  For more information, contact Terrie Gardner.