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I also think some people (like me) just don't go to Nats every year because of scheduling/kids conflicts or because they only attend one Nats (SCY or LC). ...
Right on. My absolute favorite pool in the world is Indianapolis, but I just can't swing the schedule to make it there this summer.
Honestly, I think location is a lot of it. Imagine if Nationals were in Providence (which is actually a much more pleasant city than Fresno--and easier to drive to from major airports). ...
Very true, but the host of reasons are so numerous that you're never going to get consensus. For some, it's travel distance/cost; for others, it's the city itself; for others, the pool. And on and on.
As an example, Atlanta should be packed because it's easy to get to from most places with a direct flight and has a great pool. That might be enough for me to overcome my dislike of the city. :)
...And Puerto Rico is a good comparison, as well. ...
I don't think this will be a fair comparison because of Worlds in Sweden right beforehand. I doubt many people can/will do both, but I would imagine Sweden would be more attractive (not more affordable, for sure). I'm a travel junky and really want to go to Sweden, but, again, that conflicts with my daughters' big summer meets. So, unless our kids' school starts before Puerto Rico nationals are over, I'll be there. Otherwise, I'll go another summer swimming few if any LCM meets.
...
I also think some people (like me) just don't go to Nats every year because of scheduling/kids conflicts or because they only attend one Nats (SCY or LC). ...
Right on. My absolute favorite pool in the world is Indianapolis, but I just can't swing the schedule to make it there this summer.
Honestly, I think location is a lot of it. Imagine if Nationals were in Providence (which is actually a much more pleasant city than Fresno--and easier to drive to from major airports). ...
Very true, but the host of reasons are so numerous that you're never going to get consensus. For some, it's travel distance/cost; for others, it's the city itself; for others, the pool. And on and on.
As an example, Atlanta should be packed because it's easy to get to from most places with a direct flight and has a great pool. That might be enough for me to overcome my dislike of the city. :)
...And Puerto Rico is a good comparison, as well. ...
I don't think this will be a fair comparison because of Worlds in Sweden right beforehand. I doubt many people can/will do both, but I would imagine Sweden would be more attractive (not more affordable, for sure). I'm a travel junky and really want to go to Sweden, but, again, that conflicts with my daughters' big summer meets. So, unless our kids' school starts before Puerto Rico nationals are over, I'll be there. Otherwise, I'll go another summer swimming few if any LCM meets.
