VENUE FACTFILE Events: Swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming, diving Athletes: 1,300 Spectators: Main pool 10,893; indoor pool 5,757; synchronised swimming pool 5,000 Schedule: 14-21 Aug (Swimming); 15-27, 29 Aug (Water Polo); 23-27 Aug (Synchronised Swimming); 14,16, 20-28 Aug (Diving) Paralympic event: Swimming (19-27 Sept) Enlarge Image

The Olympic Aquatic Centre at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex in Maroussi has been among the most controversial venues.

Progress on its construction fell way behind schedule.

Organisers finally decided in March to scrap a planned plastic-coated tarpaulin roof over the main pool.

That decision will leave swimmers exposed to searing August temperatures, to the dismay of swimming's ruling body Fina.

The centre consists of two outdoor pools and one indoor, with the swimming and water polo events to be held at the main pool and synchronised swimming in its own pool.

Water polo, diving and the Paralympics swimming events will be held at the indoor pool.