The NISD provided a graphic illustration to show what the swim stadium might look like. For illustrative purposes, the San Antonio skyline was added behind a swim stadium that is located in Long Beach, Calif.

Under the proposal presented by Superintendent John Folks, the Olympic-size swim stadium would be built next to the Northside Natatorium on Loop 1604 on land already owned by the district. In addition, NISD would build a smaller warm-up/diving pool with funding from a future bond issue. The three-pool complex has been dubbed the San Antonio National Aquatics Center.

"A world-class facility like this will attract regional and national competitions and draw hundreds of athletes and thousands of tourists to San Antonio,” Folks said. "In addition, the pool will serve the entire community because it will be available for use by all residents of Bexar County."

NISD estimates it will take about $10 million to build a swim stadium that would accommodate 2,400 spectators. The proposal has been endorsed by the national governing body for the sport of swimming, USA Swimming, which has promised the venue a minimum of five events per year.

"USA Swimming enthusiastically supports the development of a world-class competitive swimming center in collaboration with the Northside Independent School District," USA Swimming Executive Director Charles J. Wieglus wrote in his letter of endorsement. "A project like this would be one-of-a-kind in the central United States and could be designated as a National Swimming Center."

Currently, there are only two similar facilities in California and one in Florida.

NISD is one of several organizations and institutions that have made proposals to the Bexar County Athletic Facilities Committee (AFC) for funding, which would come from an extension of the hotel and rental car tax used to build the AT&T Center.

Bexar County voters first approved the tax in 1999, and if they approve an extension next year, about $75 million would be available for athletic-related venues. The Bexar County Commissioners will have the final say on which projects go on the ballot.