The Hampton Virginia Aquaplex grand opening event will be held on Saturday, October 29, 10 am – 3 pm at the new facility located at 1908 Coliseum Drive. The opening will feature free entertainment, refreshments, games, and pool demonstrations.
Doors will open at 10 am followed by a program at 10:30 am featuring Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones. Jones is a four-time Olympic medalist and the first African American swimmer to hold a world record. At the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Jones swam on the legendary world-record setting 4×100 freestyle relay team. In 2012, Jones won gold as Team USA’s anchor in the 4×100 medley relay, silver in the 4×100 freestyle relay, and individual silver in the 50m freestyle. Working with USA Swimming Foundation’s Make a Splash Program, Jones is dedicated to promoting the importance of minorities learning to swim.
Following the ceremony, there will be demonstrations of swimming, diving, water polo, and artistic swimming; self-guided tours of the facility; and interactive games and giveaways throughout the day. While this is a non-swimming event for attendees, information about membership options, learn to swim and fitness classes, and community events will be available. There will be sneak-peek tours of Splash Down Park and opportunities to talk to staff about hosting birthday parties and events at the Aquaplex.
The Hampton Virginia Aquaplex is Virginia’s largest competitive aquatic facility. This 62,739 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility features an eight-lane, 50-meter competition pool, 25-yard programming pool, two moveable bulkheads, spectator seating for 1,500 with a mezzanine, on-deck athlete seating for 760, and an outdoor splash park. Along with national and regional events, the Aquaplex will also accommodate local school swim teams and residents. The facility will serve the local community with event rentals, fitness and certified “Learn to Swim” classes, and open-swim activities for all ages.
For more information on the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex visit HamptonAquaplex.com.