Registrations have opened for South Australians keen to be among the very first to step inside the new $135 million Adelaide Aquatic Centre, with the landmark facility set to officially welcome the public on Australia Day, 26 January.
To give as many locals as possible a chance to experience the centre on its opening day, organisers will run three dedicated three-hour sessions, with places allocated via a ballot system. Registrations opened at 9.30am today and close at midday on Thursday, 15 January, with strong interest expected.
Each session will host around 500 people, meaning approximately 1,500 guests will be able to explore the centre on its very first day of operation. Successful entrants will be notified by email and SMS from 9am on Monday, 19 January, and will be able to select from sessions beginning at 10am, 2pm and 6pm.
The opening marks a major milestone for Adelaide, with the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre delivering a modern, purpose-built space focused on health, wellbeing and community connection. The centre has been designed to cater for a wide range of users, from casual swimmers and families through to fitness enthusiasts and competitive athletes, with accessibility and inclusivity at the forefront of its design.
Emily Bourke said the countdown to opening day has been eagerly anticipated across the community. “The wait is nearly over. We are thrilled to announce the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre will open a day earlier than anticipated on Monday, 26 January,” she said. “A ballot opens this morning, giving people the chance to be among the first to try out everything this landmark facility has to offer.”
Funded by the Malinauskas Labor Government, the centre represents one of the most significant investments in community sporting and recreational infrastructure in South Australia in recent years. Beyond swimming, it is intended to be a space where people of all ages can come together to move, relax and connect, reinforcing the role of public facilities in supporting healthier lifestyles.
“We can’t wait to welcome people inside and show them what’s on offer at this state-of-the-art community asset,” Bourke said, reflecting the pride behind the project and the expectation that it will quickly become a much-loved part of Adelaide life.
For those lucky enough to secure a ballot spot, opening day offers the rare chance to be part of a defining moment in the city’s story, experiencing the centre before it opens to the wider public. For everyone else, the launch signals the beginning of a new chapter for aquatic sport, recreation and community gathering in Adelaide.
Registrations are available via the official link, with would-be attendees encouraged to act quickly before the ballot closes. As Australia Day approaches, anticipation continues to build for what is set to become one of Adelaide’s most important new community hubs.
To register, click here.
