The University of New Orleans recently reopened its Lakefront Aquatic Center, the school’s final athletics facility to reopen after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast region in August 2005. The school’s swimming and diving team called the center home from 1984 through 1992 and again from 2004-05.

Chancellor Tim Ryan, Athletics Director Jim Miller and several city officials attended the reopening ceremony, after which the Privateers team dived into the pool.

“This is a great day, not just for Lakefront Arena but the entire university,” said Miller. “For the athletics department, this facility gives our swimming and diving program instant credibility.”

The renovations to the center included an updated sound system, an automatic chemical treatment system and a new video scoreboard. The outdoor pool area was resurfaced, and lighting and landscaping also were added.

Since 2005, the women’s team has practiced and competed at a variety of locations, including in Atlanta for the 2005-06 season. The school added the men’s program in 2008, and both teams practiced at different pools around New Orleans. The men’s opening meet in September will mark the first Privateers home meet since January 29, 2005.