When developing a new aquatic facility that is intended to be a venue facility for sport, there are a significant number of priorities to be managed. Most facilities will not be selected in the bidding process to host a major championship event. When prioritizing capital dollars for the final solution, decisions will be required to balance the day to day programming needs against the requirements of hosting a major event. To help understand the requirements of hosting a USA Swimming Championship Event, below is a wish list for the ideal facility.
Size
Long Course Championships
Main Competition Pool – Eight-lane 50 meter with 9’ wide lanes, all minimum 2m deep
Secondary Competition Pool – Eight-lane 50 meter with 9’ wide lanes, all minimum 2m deep
Short Course Championships
Main Competition Pool – Eight-lane 25 meter/yard with 9’ wide lanes, all minimum 2m deep
Secondary Competition Pool – Eight-lane 25 meter/yard with 9’ wide lanes, all minimum 2m deep
Warm-up Pool – Eight-lane 25 meter/yard with 9’ wide lanes
Decks – 20’ on sides of Main and Secondary pools, 15’ on all sides of warm-up pool
Seating – Spectator seating for 3,000 on side of Main pool
- Spectator seating for 1,000 on side of Secondary pool
- Athlete seating for 500 on each side of Main and Secondary pools
- Athlete seating for 100 on each side of Warm-up pool
- Media seating with tables for 200 along Main pool near the finish end.
- VIP seating for 200 along one side of Main pool.
Equipment
Timing – Primary and backup timing for Main and Secondary pools, with above and below water video backup on Main pool. Minimum of two pace clocks on each side of the Warm-up pool, and three pace clocks on each side of Main and Secondary pools. FINA-size touchpads at both ends of all lanes.
Scoreboard – Large video boards for Main and Secondary pools, plus adjacent data boards to display a minimum of 12 lines of information. Two small video boards and two small data boards to display duplicate information in the Warm-up pool.
Lane lines – 6” diameter lane lines for all pools.
Starting Blocks – “Quick Blocks” or equivalent with built-in starting strobe, at both ends of all lanes for all pools.
Sound System – wireless microphone system with minimum of three frequencies and separate zone coverage for each pool, and the ability to tie-in start systems with the public address systems. Portable CD and MP3 players for each pool with multiple outlets for flexibility in positioning. Entire facility should be equipped for maximum acoustic efficiency (acoustic blocks on the walls, panels on the ceiling and ribbons throughout; carpeted grandstands, entryways and stairs; high-quality speakers and amplifiers).
Lighting – minimum 150 foot candles over all pools, with instant-on capability over the Main pool, and minimum of three spotlights over the main pool.
Communications – Wireless communication system with minimum five frequencies and 15 headsets for each frequency.
Administrative Rooms
Hospitality – near the pool deck to accommodate 300 at round banquet tables
VIP Suite – Room overlooking the Main pool with bar, lounge seating, and video monitors.
General Meeting – nearby room to accommodate 600 in theatre seating
Officials – near the pool deck to accommodate 125 in theatre seating
Meet Administration – Windowed room at the finish-end of the Main and Secondary pools with three desks/computers for meet administration
Audio/Lighting – Windowed room at the turning-end of the Main and Secondary pools with all controls for sound and lighting
Drug Testing – near the pool deck with three desks and seating for 20, adjacent to private men’s and women’s restrooms.
Staff – Nearby room with a minimum of six desks with computer connections.
Media Workroom – Near the pool with a minimum workspace for 50 with computer connections, phones, fax copiers, etc.
Interview Room – Head table for 6 people with microphones and theatre seating for 150
Private Interview Rooms – Six small rooms for monitors for interviews or race analysis
Registration – Near the entrance to the facility to accommodate team check-in (three tables), times verification (two tables), and goody bags (two tables)
Sales – Tickets, heat sheets, results, etc.
Concessions
Locker Rooms
Athletes – Minimum of 400 full lockers, 12 showers, and 8 toilets for each gender.
Officials – Minimum of 50 half lockers, 4 showers, and 2 toilets for each gender.