Virginia Tech today announced an innovative agreement that will provide the Hokies with a new 50-meter pool, while also serving the needs of the surrounding town of Christiansburg, all while avoiding the expensive arms race that has been a trademark of college athletics in recent years.

The Town of Christiansburg and Virginia Tech Athletics have reached an agreement for the use of the town's new aquatic center. The aquatic center is part of Christiansburg's ten-year recreation management plan.

With groundbreaking scheduled for November, the facility, which is expected to be completed by the summer of 2007, will house:

• A 50-meter competition pool to promote and support competitive swimming at all age levels within the region.
• A family/leisure pool with a two-story slide, water walking lanes, zero depth entrance, water jets and other recreational features
• A therapy pool for physical therapy, injuries, arthritic persons and rehabilitation
• Separate Virginia Tech Swimming and Diving team entrance, parking area and locker rooms
• Spectator seating for competitive swimming and diving events

The main pool, originally slated to be a 25-yard recreational facility, has been increased to a 50-meter pool, which allows for the Hokie Swimming and Diving teams to train and compete at the highest level. The cost of lengthening the pool from yards to meters was estimated at $2.5 million more. A 20-year lease agreement with the Athletics Department made it possible for the town to contstruct the Olympic-sized facility. Under the agreement, Tech will pay $200,000 annually for 20 years for dedicated pool time and the right to host meets at the facility.

"We are incredibly excited about this facility," Virginia Tech Head Swimming and Diving Coach said. "Our programs' development will continue to move forward with the training and competitive features this facility provides. I am truly grateful for the hard work that Virginia Tech, the Athletics Department and the Town of Christiansburg put into this project. The facility will serve every constituent group very well."

Construction of this facility is expected to begin by the end of 2005.