The public has been fascinated by the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, which is the official name of the three-pool facility that will host the 2011 World Championship in Shanghai. But in the Chinese sporting legacy of Beijing’s “Water Cube,” this name was simply not creative enough to really represent the personality of each venue. Therefore, the organizing committee assembled an expert panel to nickname each of the three facilities.
Sea Crown – This is the nickname given, appropriately to the large, main arena that will host the pool swimming events. This multi-purpose arena seats 18,000, and will see a second life as the host of the Grand Prix Figure Skating Cup of China the first weekend of November.
Magnolia Bridge – Magnolia Bridge is the 5,000 seat, indoor natatorium that will host water polo and synchronized swimming events. The Magnolia is the oldest flowering plant in the world (it dates back to the time of the dinosaurs), and in Chinese culture is used as symbolism for a beautiful woman. Bridges are a concept used heavily in the design of the center, as there are many bridges across the man-made lagoon that runs throughout the entire center.
Crescent Lagoon – The most bluntly named of the three is the outdoor diving pool. The shape of the cover for the 5,000 seat spectator area, when viewed from above, is in the shape of a crescent, and is supposed to appear as a wave crashing into the man-made lagoon.
Thus far, the official pool for the London 2012 Olympics is only known as the “London Aquatics Centre.” Any ideas for cool nicknames for the Olympic pool? I’m leaning towards the Stingray, given the obvious resemblance from the roof, but perhaps someone else can come up with something more elegant.
London Aquatics Centre construction seen from above.
John, thanks for more interesting info. It will enhance my viewing experience, no doubt.
And about which textile WRs would fall, I think most of textile WRs are in danger. For example: women 100 free (53.30), which is quite soft (Trickett even already surpassed with 52.99 in textiel but was not recognised because she swam it alongside Phelps in Duel in the Pool)
Ooh Stingray! I like it!
I’m watch the synchronized swimming on tv right now (which take place in the Sea Crown, which is as much to do with this article as this post is going to get) and I can’t help notice how DEEP the pool it. It is significantly deeper than the Rome pool (and wider), as in the ROme pool compeitors jumping into the water could reach the bottom. In this pool, you cant even see the bottom in my shots. It looks very similar to the beijing pool. I’m expecting fast times.
And just for kicks I decided to try to figure out with WRs (minus relays because we doubt any relay marks will fall this year) probably would’ve fallen if it… Read more »
According to CNN:GO, the outdoor pool where diving will be held is “Moon Bay”
Moon Bay Outdoor Diving Pool (月亮湾室外跳水池)
See that first Chinese character in the name? That’s the character for moon (i just know because I took a Japanese class once and Japanese uses the same kanji for “moon”) But I can see how it might be translated as “crescent”.
The shanghai sports centre looks incredible. the chinese do not do things half-hearted, they always go all the way
None of those names resonate the way “Water Cube” does. Oh well. I like the “Stingray” for the London venue. It could also be called “The Wave”.