IUPUI Begins $20 Million Renovation To World Famous Natatorium

The world famous IUPUI Natatorium in Indianapolis, Indiana will be getting a much needed face-lift starting this month. In July of 2014, Indiana University and IUPUI announced that their plan to make make $30 million in renovations to the Natatorium and surrounding area was approved ($20m for the natatorium, $10m for roadwork surrounding the natatorium). The renovations will be funded by three major parties; the city of Indianapolis agreed to contribute $10 million, the University will pay another $10 million, and the Lily Endowment agreed to match the University’s investment of $10 million.

Since 1982, thousands of swimmers have passed through the doors of the IUPUI Natatorium in Indianapolis. Indianapolis and IUPUI have served as the hosts of the US Olympic Swimming Team Trials four times since 1984 (’84, ’92, ’96, ’00). Gold Medal Mel Stewart’s name is painted on the South wall of the Natatorium, along will all the other athletes that have qualified for an Olympic team at that facility. Between swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming, the natatorium has hosted 13 US Olympic team trials.

The IUPUI Natatorium has the benefit of having two 50 meter pools and a separate diving well. As of now, the plans indicate that at least one pool will remain open at all times during the renovation process to allow the club, collegiate, and masters teams that currently utilize the facility to stay in the water without relocating.

“We are looking forward to seeing a fully renovated natatorium return to the world spotlight,” said Thomas A. Morrison, Indiana University’s vice president of capital planning and facilities. “The upgrades to this legendary facility affirm the university’s devotion to all students and athletes, and is emblematic of the university’s commitment to the city of Indianapolis and organizational partners nationwide.”

“It has enjoyed a rich tradition, offering three decades of iconic championships and record-setting performances,” Morrison said. “These renovations will ensure that reputation will continue and grow well into the 21st century.”

5 Phases

• Phase I: March 30 to July 17, 2015
• Phase II: Aug. 10 to Oct. 30, 2015
• Phase III: November 2015 to March 17, 2016
• Phase IV: March 22 to May 20, 2016
• Phase V: Aug. 8 to Dec. 30, 2016

The plans call for the renovations to be completed in five stages. They are honoring all of their commitments to groups that have rented that facility to host meets. Thomas Morrison told us that the project is currently on time and under budget.

The biggest changes will include widening the platforms on the diving tower, upgrading the ventilation system, windows, locker rooms, and lighting. The most noticeable changes will be the new color scheme in the natatorium. Currently all of the chairs and railings in the building are blue, but after the renovations are complete, everything in the building will be black, white, and gray. They will also be replacing the bulkheads and the starting blocks.

Here is what they will be doing during Phase I of the renovation:

• Competition Pool and Diving well areas closed | Instructional Pool open
• Roof Replacement
• Diving tower widened
• Deck Tile work begins
• East/West concourse (windows and doors)
• HVAC
• Lighting upgrades begin

They will be opening to host all of the following meets within the next year:

2015

• July 24 to 26: Indiana Swimming Long Course Age Group Championships
• July 27 to 31: National Club Swimming Association Swimming Championships
• Aug. 3 to 7: YMCA Long Course National Championships
• Nov. 6 to 8: Carmel Swim Club Fall Invitational
• Nov. 13 to 14: House of Champions
• Dec. 3 to 6: Oakland Live Y’ers Invite
• Dec. 11 to 12: Duel in the Pool
• Dec. 15 to 20: USA Diving Winter Nationals
• Dec. 29: Holiday Invite

2016

• Jan. 9 to 10: Indiana Swimming Mid State Championships
• Jan. 15 to 17: Carmel Swim Club Winter Invitational
• Jan. 22 to 23: IUPUI Swimming and Diving
• Jan. 29 to 31: 33rd Annual Circle City Classic Invitational
• Feb. 5 to 7: Jaguar Aquatics February Invite
• Feb. 12 to 13: Girls IHSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships
• Feb. 17 to 20: The 2015-2016 Summit League Swimming & Diving Championships
• Feb. 26 to 27: Boys IHSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships
• March 2 to 5: American Athletic Conference Swimming and Diving Championships
• March 8 to 12: NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships
• March 18 to 20: Indiana Swimming Short Couse Age Group Championships

More information about the renovation can be found by clicking here.