Sandwell Aquatics Centre – April Events & Member Update

31/03/2025
Sandwell Aquatics Centre – April Events & Member Update

Sandwell Aquatics Centre (SAC) is set to host a range of exciting events this April, bringing together talent from across the region.

We appreciate that some members have shared feedback about event scheduling and its impact on general access. This update aims to provide details on upcoming events, the purpose of these competitions, and how we are working to balance elite and community use of SAC.

Upcoming April Events:

The following events will be taking place at SAC this month:

  • 5th – 6th April: Water Polo Talent Games
  • 12th – 13th April: Sandwell Aquatics Open Meet
  • 26th – 27th April: West Midlands Summer Championships 25 (Weekend 1/2)

For a full list of events and programming, please visit our Events Page

Why SAC Hosts Competitive Events

SAC was purpose-built for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, designed to serve both the local community and elite-level aquatic sports. Our partnership with Sport England, Swim England, and the Commonwealth Games ensures that SAC remains a hub for swimming and aquatic sports in the West Midlands. These events provide a platform for athletes while also benefiting the region by making competitive swimming more accessible.

We appreciate that event weekends may impact general swimming availability. We are continuously working to optimise programming, ensuring that members can enjoy public swimming whenever possible.

FAQs

1. Why don’t you offer Swim-Only Memberships?

SAC’s One Card membership provides access to multiple facilities, ensuring value for money, especially on event weekends when lane swimming may be unavailable.

2. What are the car parking arrangements during events?

We understand that parking can be a challenge during large events. To address this, we have implemented:

  • Overflow Parking: Available at our sister site, Harry Mitchell, just a 10-minute walk away.
  • Security Measures: Additional personnel to manage parking and ensure safety.
  • Green Travel Plan: Encouraging car sharing, public transport (bus stop outside, two nearby train stations), and cycling (bike lane with bike sheds).
  • Traffic Restrictions (TRO): Preventing illegal parking in restricted areas.
  • Event Scheduling Adjustments: Working with organisers to stagger event times and reduce congestion, particularly on Saturday mornings.

3. Why does SAC host so many events?

SAC was built to support regional and national aquatic events, ensuring accessibility for swimmers across the country. While we prioritise public access where possible, events are a core part of SAC’s mission. Moving forward, we aim to schedule more events starting from 11am on Saturdays, allowing additional public swimming time beforehand.

4. Where can I find event schedules?

We regularly update event schedules on:

Have Your Say!

We value your feedback. If you have any suggestions or concerns, we have a SAC Forum that meets monthly to discuss key issues. To submit questions or topics to be discussed on your behalf, please email SACInfo@slt-leisure.co.uk

We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to balance our commitment to community access and competitive excellence at Sandwell Aquatics Centre.

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