Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86
Kunkel Aquatic Center / McGinness Pool 650 College Ave Lancaster, PA 17603
Year Opened: 1995
Capacity: 480
A Diplomatic Court
Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836 it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States John Marshall.
Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn.
The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level.
McGinness Pool is part of the Kunkel Aquatic Center.
According to the school: "The Kunkel Aquatic Center is the premier aquatic facility in the Mid-Atlantic region and one of the most impressive facilities in all of Division III. It hosts championships at the collegiate, high school, and numerous age-group levels. The 21,200 square-foot facility houses the 25-yard x 50-meter McGinness Pool with a 480-seat spectator gallery. It features two varsity locker rooms, and two public locker rooms and has a state-of-the-art UV purification system that allows for lower chlorine levels in the pool. This results in better air quality and less impact to the swimmers from higher chlorine levels."
Before 1995, the F&M swimming teams competed in Fackenthal Pool, which opened in 1931 near the center of campus and has since been incorporated into the Roschel Performing Arts Center.
Food & Beverage 1
There are no food offerings in the facility except for a couple of vending machines.
Atmosphere 3
The aquatic center is very impressive. The seating area sounds like it would be small at only 480 seats, but that is plenty big enough for fans to enjoy and provide some cheering. Most fans are family or friends, but that does not mean it isn't full of joyful atmosphere.
Outside the swim facility is a Hall of Fame and some trophy cases.
Neighborhood 3
The college is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium.
There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance.
Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet’s area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown.
Fans 2
This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue.
Access 4
Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad.
Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college.
Return on Investment 5
There is no price to attend sporting events at Franklin & Marshall.
Extras 2
The trophy cases have some interesting sports history in them.
Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the match to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium.
Final Thoughts
Kunkel Aquatic Center, and the McGinness Pool, is a truly impressive facility at which to enjoy some swimming competitions.
תגובות