Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool

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Site of the 1984 Olympic Games water polo competition, the Pepperdine women's swimming and men's water polo teams play their home events at Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool, a facility recognized as a sparkling blue jewel carved amidst the rugged Santa Monica Mountains.
The Pepperdine facility has gained prominence and fame as one of the premier aquatic centers in the world and is located on one of the most picturesque campuses in the world.

Versatility is one key characteristic of the facility. In addition to the Olympics and the 1983 FINA Cup water polo competitions, the pool has been the site of several distinguished swimming competitions. The U.S. National Water Polo Team has trained extensively at the pool, which is also a popular spot for faculty, staff, students and local residents.

Named in memory of Raleigh Neal Runnels, son of Pepperdine Chancellor Dr. Charles Runnels, and a cancer victim at age 17, the pool was officially dedicated on April 18, 1976. The facility was primarily funded through the generosity of Mrs. Frank Rogers Seaver and Morris B. Pendleton.

Opened for use in 1975, the pool was designed and built by Nader Construction. It contains approximately 700,000 gallons of water, ranges from three to 16 feet in deep and is equipped with one- and three-meter diving boards. Its estimated construction cost was $450,000. The pool was renovated in the spring of 1997 with an improved filtering system.

The men's water polo team has won more than 70 percent of its home games at Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool, while the women's swimming team has won more than 60 percent of its home dual meets.