The public has been fascinated by the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, which is the official name of the three-pool facility that will host the 2011 World Championship in Shanghai. But in the Chinese sporting legacy of Beijing’s “Water Cube,” this name was simply not creative enough to really represent the personality of each venue. Therefore, the organizing committee assembled an expert panel to nickname each of the three facilities.

Sea Crown – This is the nickname given, appropriately to the large, main arena that will host the pool swimming events. This multi-purpose arena seats 18,000, and will see a second life as the host of the Grand Prix Figure Skating Cup of China the first weekend of November.

Magnolia Bridge - Magnolia Bridge is the 5,000 seat, indoor natatorium that will host water polo and synchronized swimming events. The Magnolia is the oldest flowering plant in the world (it dates back to the time of the dinosaurs), and in Chinese culture is used as symbolism for a beautiful woman. Bridges are a concept used heavily in the design of the center, as there are many bridges across the man-made lagoon that runs throughout the entire center.

Crescent Lagoon  – The most bluntly named of the three is the outdoor diving pool. The shape of the cover for the 5,000 seat spectator area, when viewed from above, is in the shape of a crescent, and is supposed to appear as a wave crashing into the man-made lagoon.

Thus far, the official pool for the London 2012 Olympics is only known as the “London Aquatics Centre.” Any ideas for cool nicknames for the Olympic pool? I’m leaning towards the Stingray, given the obvious resemblance from the roof, but perhaps someone else can come up with something more elegant.

London Aquatics Centre construction seen from above.

London Aquatics Centre construction seen from above.

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