The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Nestled in the heart of the University of Texas at Austin, the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center is a world-renowned aquatic facility dedicated to fostering excellence in swimming and diving. Known for our state-of-the-art amenities and advanced technology, we are proud to serve as a premier venue for competitive events, training, and recreational activities.
Established in 1977, the Jamail Swim Center has been a cornerstone of the University of Texas community and the broader swimming world. Named in honor of philanthropists Lee and Joe Jamail, whose generous contributions made our facility possible, we have a long-standing tradition of hosting prestigious competitions, including NCAA championships, U.S. National Championships, and international meets. Our center's reputation as one of the fastest pools in the world is a testament to its cutting-edge design and technology.
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.
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.
Our Facilities
At the Jamail Swim Center, we offer top-notch facilities designed to cater to both elite athletes and the community:
- Olympic-Sized Pool: Our 50-meter pool features adjustable bulkheads, allowing for versatile configurations to accommodate various events and training needs.
- Diving Well: Equipped with multiple springboards and platforms, our diving well is perfect for divers of all levels.
- Spectator Seating: With a capacity of over 2,500, our spectator area ensures an excellent view for all attendees.
- Training Facilities: Our center includes state-of-the-art weight rooms, dryland training areas, and locker rooms.
- Advanced Technology: We boast cutting-edge timing systems, underwater viewing windows, and video analysis tools to enhance the training and competition experience.
Events and Competitions
We are honored to host a wide array of events, attracting athletes from across the globe:
- NCAA Championships: We frequently host both men's and women's collegiate swimming and diving championships.
- U.S. National Championships: Our center is a favored venue for national-level swimming competitions.
- International Meets: We welcome elite swimmers and divers from around the world.
- Local and Regional Competitions: We support the local community by hosting various competitions, helping to develop young athletes.
Notable Achievements
Our center has witnessed numerous record-breaking performances and is home to the Texas Longhorns swimming and diving teams, known for their multiple NCAA team championships and Olympian athletes.
Community and Recreational Use
While we are a hub for elite competitions, we also serve the University of Texas community and the public:
- Swim Lessons: We offer swim lessons for all ages and skill levels.
- Recreational Swimming: We provide lap swim and recreational swim times for students, faculty, and staff.
- Fitness Programs: Our aquatic fitness classes and programs are designed to promote health and wellness.
