TEAMNORTHUMBRIA - Sport Central

Northumbria University has always been one of the most ambitious and successful UK universities for sport in all areas. To build on those achievements, the University has invested over £30 million in Sport Central, a state-of-the-art sports facility which will offer unrivalled services to students, staff and the wider community irrespective of background or sporting ability.

What Sporting Opportunities Will Sport Central Offer?

3,000 Seat Arena - The jewel in the crown of Sport Central is the North East's newest arena. Offering 3,000 individual seats, all with excellent sight lines of the main court, the best DAKTRONICS digital displays of any comparable UK arena and the highest quality audio and lighting, Sport Central will deliver an unrivalled spectator experience.

Climbing Wall - The 12 metre climbing wall had been designed with pure climbing in mind and has 18 different climbing routes with over-hangs and natural features. The latest climbing equipment and tuition for all levels of ability will be available at times to suit.

Fitness Centre - The new Fitness Centre will comprise of over 150 stations of cardiovascular, resistance, core-stability and free weights. Featuring the latest high specification PRECOR fitness equipment, machines will be computerised to offer training simulations that can be used on both an individual and group basis. The fitness stations will also be equipped with USB and MP3 docking stations and TV screens with on-demand Sky Sports and other satellite channels.

Swimming Pool - Another of the main features of Sport Central ias the brand new, 6 lane, 25 metre swimming pool with variable depth floating floor making it ideal for beginners and performance swimmers alike. Northumbria University will offer swimming lessons for all and the pool will be open to students, staff and members of the local community.

Sprint Track - Another unique feature of Sport Central is the 4 lane, 40 metre sprint track constructed using the same (indoor adjusted) MONDO floor on which Usain Bolt smashed the 100 metre record at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. With cameras every five metres from the start with immediate data streamed to the analysis suites, athletes will benefit from instant feedback on their biomechanical form and running technique.

Squash Courts - Utilising the latest German design, 3 glass-backed, competition standard squash courts with moving walls will allow for both singles and doubles competition. The unique design also enables the area to be used as an Aerobics Studio.

Sports Laboratories - Incorporated within Sport Central are new state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to research at the cutting edge of sport science. These include a gait, biomechanics, physiology and integrated systems laboratory together with an audio visual performance analysis suite and metabolic kitchen.