Sept. 23, 2005

Allan Jones Aquatic Center

Head coach John Trembley's dream of a new era in Tennessee swimming and diving is set to unfold in the middle of next month.

The Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center, a $23 million project that has been approved by the state building commission, will undergo construction beginning Oct. 15 with a late 2007 scheduled completion date.

"I'm so happy I could cry," UT head coach John Trembley said. "This has been a long and complicated ordeal. But integrity and honor have finally won."

The new pool is being named in honor of Cleveland, Tenn. businessman Allan Jones for his generous contributions to the UT athletic department.

The new swimming complex will replace the Student Aquatic Center and Ray Bussard Intercollegiate Pool that was built in the summer of 1967. The Student Aquatic Center has hosted many important events over the years and the new pool looks to keep up that tradition.

The contract was awarded by low-bid to Blaine Construction Co. of Knoxville. The general architect is HNTB of Kansas City, Mo., with the local firm of Lindsey and Maples serving as consultant. Site preparation was completed in October 2004.

"This has certainly been a work in progress but we are most happy with the culmination of the bid process and the awarding of the contract to Blaine Construction Co. as the general contractor," Senior Associate Athletic Director Gary Wyant said. "We also have the utmost confidence of our consultant of Lindsey and Maples as we work through the building process."