After the Football Playoffs, Catch the Orange Bowl Swim Classic in Florida Keys

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Hundreds of collegiate swimmers from around the country meet and compete in a popular monthlong winter training session in Key Largo that is to conclude Thursday, Jan. 3, with the open-to-spectators Orange Bowl Swim Classic.

The warm winter competition is one of a series of events surrounding South Florida’s Orange Bowl football playoff weekend. It kicks off the New Year at the Jacobs Aquatic Center, mile marker 99.6 oceanside, as a sprint-style meet that features several fast-paced swimming events.

In addition to the monthlong winter training, five college teams are scheduled to compete in the Swim Classic including men’s and women’s teams from Monmouth University and the University of Michigan, and the women’s team from Minnesota State University.

The competition is expected to start at 10 a.m. and continue until noon. Admission to watch is free.

Among the men and women who have trained at the Jacobs Aquatic Center swimming facility or raced in the Orange Bowl Swim Classic, some have gone on to pursue Olympic gold.

A post-contest awards social and dinner at the Jacobs Aquatic Center follow the meet, where spectators are welcome to interact with the swimmers and coaches.

Event information: jacobsaquaticcenter.org or 305-453-SWIM (305-453-7946)

Key Largo visitor information: fla-keys.com/keylargo or 1-800-822-1088

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