The Spieker Aquatics Center is a 2,500-capacity stadium in Los Angeles, California used by UCLAwater polo, swimming, and diving teams. The $14-million center was built in 2009 and is named for Tod and Catherine Spieker. Tod was a student-athlete at UCLA, competing from 1968 to 1971 in swimming.[1]
The Dirks Pool at Spieker Aquatics Center is named after Carolyn Dirks.
The athletic teams using the facilities have won 20 NCAA national championships. Men's swimming and diving won in 1982; men's water polo team were champions in 1969, 1971–72, 1995–96, 1999–2000, 2004, 2014–15 and 2017; and the women's water polo team captured the title in 2001, 2003, 2005–09 and 2024.
The center features a 52-meter, all deep water pool with a diving bulkhead; platform for diving as well as one-meter and three-meter boards; men's and women's locker rooms; permanent seating for 800 people, with the ability to seat 1,700 additional spectators in temporary seating; and a "Wall of Champions" showcasing accomplishments of past teams. It also has an 8'6" x 15'6" video display board.[2]
Notable events
The 2010 MPSF Women's Water Polo Championship Tournament was held April 30-May 2, 2010 at the Spieker Aquatics Center.
The 2011 MPSF Men's Water Polo Championship Tournament was held at UCLA from November 25 through November 27. The USA Men's water polo team held a training game vs. the Hungary team at the Spieker Aquatics Center on May 31, 2012, prior to the 2012 Olympics.[4]
