Cardinal Park
Natatorium Campaign
University of Louisville

The Natatorium is now the focal point of Cardinal Park at the University of Louisville. It is not if the Natatorium is to be built, but when it will be built. The swim community in the Louisville area can help construct this world-class facility at a faster pace by becoming involved. We are well over the half way mark in funding this $18 million aquatic center. We need your help in bringing to Louisville this state-of-the-art Natatorium, which is certainly deserved, and is a facility that will be one of this city’s chief assets.

The University of Louisville has boldly undertaken the challenge to build Cardinal Park, a comprehensive sports facilities complex that propels UofL athletic facilities into the top 10% for Division I schools. UofL’s aggressive mission to become a top 20 research university by 2005 is following a "Dare to be Great" blueprint that is creating a major impact on the Belknap Campus, its campus life, and on the Louisville community.

Now that UofL has underway or completed over $100M in construction projects, the time has come to focus on the "Crown Jewel" of Cardinal Park, the Natatorium. This world-class facility will feature a 50-meter, Olympic-sized pool and a separate diving well. Built for speed, boasting over a million gallons of water, and stadium seating for over 2,000, this state-of-the-art facility will have the ability to host international, national, collegiate, and high school championship-level meets.

Louisville, always rich with swimming heritage, has never had an elite facility to enhance and promote the talented athletes produced in this region. Cardinal Park’s Natatorium finally gives the sports of swimming and diving the respect they deserve, and puts UofL on the list of collegiate programs capable of producing a Top 10 NCAA team. UofL proudly brings this community, and the region, the world-class swimming and diving facility it has long deserved.

President John Shumaker has listed the funding of the Natatorium as one of his primary goals for this fiscal year. Athletic Director Tom Jurich and corporate citizen Owsley Brown Frazier have declared the Natatorium a top priority, now that the "front lawn" has been funded and is open. The Ralph Wright Natatorium Campaign is in place to name the facility for UofL’s first swim coach, an innovative and visionary coach who brought national prominence to Louisville through the athletes he trained.

The University of Louisville is looking for heroes to be the pillars on which the aquatic complex will be built. The energy and willingness to be the foundation for this world-class facility will provide UofL, the community, and the region endless opportunities, as athletes and their families come to Louisville for swimming and diving events, camps, and competitions.

We appreciate your interest and invite you to support the Natatorium. We are happy to discuss your donation and/or your related business or corporation gift. Realize some companies offer matching funds. Contributions, which are tax deductible, can be structured over a five-year period. Gifts of cash, stock, real estate, and foundation grants, are among many of the giving options available. Please contact the University of Louisville Cardinal Park office to explore the many ways of showing support and ensuring that the Natatorium is under constructions as quickly as possible.

Susan Mountjoy     Mike Pollio                              Janet Lively
Cardinal Park         Coordinator Associate AD      Assistant AD
852-0675                852-7244                               852-0117