Construction has begun on the University of Wyoming's new state-of-the-art aquatics center, with completion scheduled for summer 2026. GE Johnson Construction Company broke ground on the project on November 5, nearly a year after Wyoming Athletics reached 75% of its $20 million funding goal. This is alongside the state’s contribution of $120 million to fund the new natatorium and renovations to War Memorial Stadium.

Currently, the University of Wyoming’s swim & dive teams train at the John Corbett Building, which houses a smaller, L-shaped pool. To host home meets, the teams have been using the Laramie High School pool, which offers more deck space.

The new Aquatics Center will feature a 10-lane, 50-meter pool that can be converted into a 20-lane, 25-yard pool. It will also include 3-meter and 5-meter diving platforms, 1-meter and 3-meter springboards, and new locker rooms. The pool will be just the second 50-meter pool in Wyoming.

"This pool didn’t just happen. It has been discussed by administrators, previous coaches, students, athletes, state legislators, and senators for over two decades," said UW head swimming and diving coach Dave Denniston. "Our athletics director, Tom Burman, made sure this project was going to be completed on his watch. His tenacity and unwillingness to throw in the towel the multiple times that it looked like it would never happen has to be commended. I’ve enjoyed working with Mr. Burman on this project to see it come to life, and I believe the end result will be a crown jewel for this athletic department."

The facility will be located on the southeast corner of campus and will also support the university’s campus recreation program.

In the 2023-24 season, Wyoming's women’s swim team placed 6th at the Mountain West Conference Championships, and the men’s team placed 4th at the Western Athletic Conference Championships. This season, the Cowgirls are 5-0 in dual meets, while the Cowboys are 2-1.

“The new facility will help elevate the program in the future,” Denniston said. "This 50-meter facility will be the second one in the state of Wyoming, and I know the varsity swimmers are looking forward to training in that space and sharing the love of the sport with the people of Wyoming through camps and competitions."

Denniston also believes the facility will surpass expectations: "The new pool will be far superior to the pool in Colorado Springs at the Olympic Training Center and will allow us to push the upper echelon of what is possible in our sport both on a National Collegiate level as well as internationally."

"I believe the breathtaking architecture and the flow of the facility will be a discussion point for anyone visiting. In the end, this new pool will allow Wyoming swimmers to thrive for years to come."