From Dec 3-5, the Weyerhaueser King County Aquatic Center (WKCAC) will host the 2009 AT&T Short Course National Swimming Championships, which features races from 50 to 1,650 yards. Top American swimmers, such as Margaret Hoelzer, Rebecca Soni, Eric Shanteau, and Katie Hoff, are expected to compete, and Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte will be at WKCAC on Dec 4 before the finals to sign autographs. The event, which will be broadcast on national television on December 12,  starts at 9 am (PST) each day, with final races scheduled for 5 pm (PST).

WKCAC has long been recognized as a top competition facility. With more than 15 national or world records broken during recent WKCAC events, the facility is known for its “fast” water. Now, WKCAC will also be known for its “green” features, as it inaugurates a new energy efficient lighting system in the natatorium. In addition to saving energy (and money!), the lights are also more versatile: the fixtures can be dimmed in a way that highlights the competition pool, which is better for TV audiences and and spectators.

Another cool feature that makes WKCAC one of the top competition facilities in the country is its underwater media tunnel. Remember that Michael Phelps’ win-by-a-fingernail during the 2008 Summer Games? Filming from WKCAC’s underwater tunnel can capture those sorts of angles!

All preliminary and final races at the Short Course Nationals will be filmed this weekend and streamed live from Swim Network’s website here.

Links:
USA Swimming
Swim Network
King County Event – Press Release