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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: December 3, 2019
Victor Rogers
Institute Communcations
More on McAualey Aquatic Center
The McAuley Aquatic Center served as the Olympic Aquatic Center for the 1996 Summer Games — the primary venue for swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo. It was built on the Tech campus to be an anchor for the development of recreational and athletic facilities after the Olympics.
Since then, the Aquatic Center has undergone a major renovation. Tech demolished the old Student Athletic Complex building, and added — above the Olympic pool — six basketball courts, three dance studios, an inline hockey rink, and an elevated four-lane running track with a view of the city. Connected to the front of the Aquatic Center is a 15,000-square-foot fitness center with four racquetball courts, a squash court, a climbing wall, classrooms, and office suites. All of this makes up the Campus Recreation Center, with the Aquatic Center as its centerpiece.
In 2015, thanks to philanthropic support from Richard L. Bergmark, IM 1975, it was named the McAuley Aquatic Center in memory of James Herbert “Herb” McAuley, a 1947 electrical engineering graduate, former swimming champion, and Georgia Tech swim coach.
Summary Sentence:
Tech’s McAuley Aquatic Center is the site for the Toyota U.S. Open Championships, held Dec. 4-7.
Full Summary:
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Michael Phelps at McAuley Aquatic Center
CRC Swimming
Georgia Tech Hosts US Open Swimming ChampionshipsProfessional swimmers from around the world will gather at Georgia Tech’s McAuley Aquatic Center for the Toyota U.S. Open Championships, held Dec. 4-7. As many as 70 U.S. national teams will compete, as well as international teams from Australia, Canada, Japan, and other countries.
“We’re excited to host the U.S. Open, one of the biggest swimming events in the country this year,” said Courtney Hart, head swimming and diving coach at Georgia Tech and an Olympic gold medalist. “We’re in the middle of swim season, and I think the swimmer’s goal is to see where they are in their training. I’m sure some will try to qualify for the Olympic trials next summer before the Tokyo Games.”
In 2016 the McAuley Aquatic Center was No. 1 on the list of “The 10 Best Collegiate Swimming Pools” by College Ranker.
“It is one of the fastest swimming pools in the country, if not the world. Many American and world records have been set here,” said Michael Edwards, senior director of Tech’s Campus Recreation department.
“The pool has been the anchor that we have built the Campus Recreation Center around,” he said. “It is utilized by our entire campus including our varsity swimming and diving teams. We also host a number of age groups and championships in this pool.”
Edwards added that hosting the prestigious U.S. Open is a big deal for Georgia Tech.
“The meet will be televised, so there will be national and international visibility which is extremely important,” he said. “It puts Georgia Tech in front of a different audience — people who are interested in swimming but also those who are interested in our academic reputation.”
For those who are new to the world of competitive swimming, this is a good time to dip your toe in the water.
“If you have never been to a swim meet this is definitely one to come to,” said Coach Hart. “It’s one of the best in the country, with very fast swimming and lots of excitement.”
According to Edwards, “This is a small venue, so the spectators are right on top of the action. The announcers get the crowd fired up. Like with any other athletic event, the athletes perform much better when there is a crowd cheering them on. It gives them a little boost to finish the race.”
Tech students, faculty, and staff may purchase tickets here. With your GT ID number (on your BuzzCard), you can get discounted tickets for $3-$25, depending on the pass.
