History of the United States Olympic Training Center
The original Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center was built on the former ENT Air Force Base in 1978. Its high elevation was thought to improve the effectiveness of training. It wasn’t until 2010 that the generous supporters of Colorado Springs made it possible for the Olympic Training Center to move its headquarters to Downtown Colorado Springs. Just two miles away from its original location, the new facility has greatly improved the training standards for Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
The United States Olympic Training Center Today
Today the United States Olympic Training Center helps Olympic and Paralympic athletes achieve excellence. They demonstrate the values of the Olympic Movement and inspire individuals across America to achieve their goals. Learn about the history of the Olympics and see the facilities where Olympic and Paralympic athletes train each day during your guided tour of the United States Olympic Training Center.
The Olympic Visitor Center
Start your guided tour off in the Olympic Visitor Center. Featuring a 12-minute film, see clips reminiscent of past Olympic Games that are sure to stir your emotions and remember the achievements of Olympic and Paralympic champions in the Olympic Hall of Fame. After exploring the Olympic Visitor Center, meet an Ambassador of the United States Olympic Committee who will take you on a tour of the complex and provide you with a look into the lives of the athletes.
Aquatics Center
The 45,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Aquatics Center is home to a 50-by 25-meter swimming pool which is two meters deep on each end and three meters deep in the center of the pool, containing 909,000 gallons of water. Watch as swimmers, pentathletes, triathletes, water polo players and other athletes swim laps in this remarkable Olympic-sized pool. Don’t forget to look for the cameras found overhead and underwater. Cameras in the Aquatics Center are used to film athletes for testing purposes.
Sports Center
Situated in a 59,000 square foot facility, the Olympic Sports Center boasts six gymnasiums used to accommodate the training requirements of 14 Olympic and Paralympic sports. From volleyball and basketball to handball and archery admire the vastness of the facility as you watch some of America’s finest athletes in action.
The Olympic Shooting Center
The largest indoor shooting facility in the Western Hemisphere and the third largest in the world, the Olympic Shooting Center features impressive firing points, pistol bays and other unique ranges. Home to 29 50-meter firing points used to practice rifle and pistol shooting, eight 25-meter pistol bays used by those shooting rapid-fire pistols, four 10-meter running target rifle ranges and 72 10-meter air rifle and air pistol fire points, the Olympic Shooting Center will fascinate all visitors.
The Team Shop
Located in the Olympic Visitor Center, support the U.S. Olympic Team. From t-shirts to hats, jerseys to DVDs, U.S. Olympic paraphernalia of all sorts can be purchased in the Team Shop.