FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana University and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis leaders invite local media to a pre-renovation tour of the IU Natatorium. After 33 years of productive use, the venue needs major improvements to ensure its esteemed presence continues well into the 21st century.
WHAT: Pre-renovation tour of the IU Natatorium
WHEN: 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 24
WHERE: IU Natatorium, 901 W. New York St., Indianapolis
The renovations to the IU Natatorium will be done in phases, with the pool scheduled to reopen in January 2017:
- Phase I: March 30 to July 17, 2015
- Phase II: Aug. 10 to Oct. 30, 2015
- Phase III: November 2015 to Mar. 17, 2016
- Phase IV: March 22 to May 20, 2016
- Phase V: Aug. 8 to Dec. 30, 2016
Critical renovations include an enhanced interior design and widening of the diving tower as well as a new roof, heating and cooling system, pool deck, pool filtration, lighting, skylights, bulkheads and starting blocks; new doors, windows and drywall in the east and west concourses; an expanded pro shop; modernized locker rooms; and other mechanical repairs.
The IU Natatorium enjoys a rich tradition and three decades of iconic championships and record-setting performances. Since it was built in 1982, the venue has hosted many significant sporting events, including the 1987 Pan Am Games and 13 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in swimming, diving and synchronized swimming. Over 100 records have been set in the pool, including 15 world records.
Considered one of the fastest pools in the country, the IU Natatorium is a 220,000-square-foot facility with an eight-lane, 50-meter competition pool, a six-lane, 50-meter teaching and training pool and a world-class diving well. The venue holds 4,700 spectators with another 1,500 people on the deck, which makes the IU Natatorium the largest permanent swimming competition facility in the country.