Summary
History of the Los Angeles Swimming Stadium
The Los Angeles Swimming Stadium at Exposition Park, now called the John C. Argue Swimming Stadium, was built for the 1932 Olympic Games. History was made here, with a slew of gold-medal and record-setting swimmers who went on to have acting careers including Clarence “Buster” Crabbe, Eleanor Holm, and Esther Williams.
In the 1950s, the Los Angeles Swimming Stadium became the training pool for the USC swim team. By 1970, an impressive 65 world records had been set in this renowned pool. However, by the 1980s, the Swimming Stadium began to show its age. Damage from the Northridge Earthquake ultimately forced its closure in 1994.
Consequently, a non-profit organization, Friends of the Expo Center, was formed in 1998 with the mission to raise funds for the restoration of the building and pools. The facility reopened in 2004, featuring the outdoor John C. Argue Swim Stadium and a renovated building that includes the original Art Deco façade alongside a modern steel and glass addition, which houses a gymnasium and program rooms.
Important Information Before Your Visit
- Exposition Park is located in a low-income area in Central Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Swimming Stadium serves as a budget-friendly destination for families looking to cool off in the LA heat, making it a popular spot during hot summer days.
- Each child under 6 years old must be accompanied by one adult on a 1 to 1 ratio, which means that a single adult cannot bring more than one child under six years of age.
- Children under 3 are required to wear swim diapers to ensure cleanliness in the pools.
- Be sure to check the parking options available in the area for a hassle-free visit.
Facilities and Features
The LA Swim Stadium offers outdoor swimming pools that are heated and available year-round. The facilities include:
- A 50-meter by 25-yard competition lap pool
- A family swim pool open to the public during designated hours
Access to the pools is free for children aged 17 and under, as well as seniors aged 65 and over. Adults are subject to a nominal fee per visit. Moreover, membership or multi-admission packages are typically available for locals. For current rates and hours, please refer to the LA Swim Stadium website.
