| :: Overview,
accessibility & parking
During the summer of 2001, The University of Texas began
construction on a three million-dollar renovation to the
Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center. Already regarded
as one of the finest and fastest collegiate swimming centers
in the country, the Jamail Texas Swim Center has now been
upgraded into a category all its own. The 50-meter pool,
which holds 880,000 gallons of water, added a newly-remodeled
moveable bulkhead and new underwater windows. The bulkhead
was constructed out of 25,000 pounds of aluminum and engineered
to run on a track; they also can be raised to the ceiling
in order to alter lane lengths for different events. The
underwater windows were constructed out of four-layered,
heat-strengthened glass, enabling light to enter the pool
and allowing for an interesting spectator view. The swim
center also reconstructed its patio entrance, as well as
adding a new handicap seating area, which are both ADA
certified. Additionally, a high-tech sound booth overlooking
the entire complex has been constructed with new theatre-quality
speakers which have been installed throughout the facility.
The facility was modeled after the pool used for the 1972
Olympic Games in Munich. It officially opened its doors
to competitors 1979 and built to accommodate competitive
swimming, diving and water polo events in scholastic, collegiate,
US Swimming, FINA and Olympic categories.
The Pool
Moveable bulkheads, lowered from the ceiling, can change the 50-meter pool
into either a 25-meter or 25-yard short course. The pool is nine feet deep
and 75-feet, one-inch wide, providing eight-foot lanes with generous side
protective lanes. The pool has "rim-flow" gutters, which drastically
reduce turbulence. The pool depth and bulkhead position also help reduce
turbulence, making it one of the fastest pools in the world.
Timing, Judging and Scoreboard
An electronic timing system determines elapsed time, order of finish and lap
splits for each lane to .001 second, which are transmitted to a large display
scoreboard. Judges' stations at the diving pool also compute and transmit
scoring to the display.
The Browning Diving Pool
The Browning Diving Pool measures 75-feet, one-inch wide and 15 to 18 feet
deep. It has four one-meter and six three-meter springboards, and a diving
tower with five separate platform heights. The diving pool is designed to
maximize both performance and judges' views.
Lighting
Both the swimming and diving pools are lighted by overhead and underwater lights,
and both are equipped with underwater speakers and diving windows.
Spectators
Spectators enjoy an excellent view of the action from the 2,100-seat grandstand.
During major competitions, portable bleachers on the deck level can accommodate
500 additional fans. |