More than 650 competitors from 120 nations, including a possible appearance of American legend Michael Phelps, will take part in the 9th FINA World Championships.
But organisers are promising much more than just five days of racing at the MEN Arena.
Spectators will be buying into an entire entertainment package as swimming gets a spectacular makeover.
As a result, the Manchester Evening News has become the first commercial partner for the World Championships being staged from April 9-13.
Corporate communications director Elaine Darbyshire said: "As the best source of sporting information for the region, the Manchester Evening News is delighted to be the first commercial partner for the 9th FINA World Swimming Championships.
"Manchester is fast becoming the UK capital of world class sporting events and we are immensely proud that this, the first championship of its kind to be held in the UK, is being held at the Manchester Evening News Arena.
Champion
"This means that the MEN will be closely associated with championship and will be able to report on all the action as it happens so that our readers don't miss a thing."
Five times world short course butterfly champion James Hickman, PR and communications manager for the event, said: "It's great that the Manchester Evening News is the first official partner because I know they are as passionate about this being a successful event as we are.
"The event will be like no other, we do things differently in Manchester and this will be no exception. In a lot of ways I wish I was back swimming in it!"
Marc Hope, director of rights marketing for Fast Track, who are managing the sponsorship for the event, said: "The M.E.N. is an excellent first sponsor, offering a great PR platform for other partners.
"We are looking for just two national partners and up to seven further national suppliers to take full advantage of the build up to this major World Championship in one of the top Olympic sports, on home soil."
For those wishing to see live action there will be 75,000 seats available over 10 sessions in five days.
Ticket prices range from £8 to £30 (subject to booking fees) and are available now to M.E.N readers via our exclusive booking hotline.
To get the best seats in the house before they go on general sale call 0844 847 1554 or visit www.menmedia.co.uk/boxoffice
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