World Swimming Championships to come to Dagaly Aquatics Complex in Budapest

With the World Swimming Championships just five months away, the aquatics centre set to host the event in Budapest has now been revealed. Otherwise known as the Danube Arena, the complex has been erected in less than two years after the surprise withdrawal of Guadalajara who were originally chosen to host. After running into some financial difficulties, the Mexican city withdrew and Budapest agreed to take over.

Originally, the location had been designed to host the European Championships in 2020 and was going to be much smaller. However, the plans had to be extended by architect Napur to accommodate the new event. Now, it holds two fully-sized swimming pools, a small training pool, and a diving pool. Although a regular capacity of 5,000, it will hold around 13,000 people when the Championships come around thanks to temporary seating. After the Swimming Championships are over, Budapest are hoping that the centre will contribute to their 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games bid.