CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) — The Olympics may not be here yet, but locals don't have to wait to see athletes prepare for the chance to climb the Olympic podium.
That's because Chula Vista is home to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic training site that's home to USA track and field, para track and field, rugby, archery, bmx, and para tennis. But athletes in rowing, field hockey, and other sports have been known to train at the site.
And locals can step inside the 155-acre space elite athletes walk and train in year-round.
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Guided tours offered at the center take visitors through the history of the center and athletes who train there. Tour are offered in three tiers: Bronze ($5), silver ($15), and gold ($35).
Bronze tours provide a guided tour down the mile-long Olympic path that runs through the campus and gives an overlook to many of the venues that athletes use.
Silver tours walk visitors around the complex with an upclose look at the training sites. They also get a behind the scenes walk through of the strength and conditioning center and dining hall.
The top tier, gold, provides the benefits of silver, plus an "eat like an athlete" lunch buffet experience inside the dining hall. So be ready to chow down.
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The center also offers tours for educational or private groups as well.
Chula Vista's Olympic Training Center originally opened in 1995 as a U.S. Olympic Training Center. In 2017, the City of Chula Vista took ownership of the facility from the United States Olympic Committee. It's one of 18 training sites, including Olympic and Paralympic Games host sites, universities, and elite sport complexes.
Over the past six Olympic and Paralympic Games, more than 60 medals have been won by Chula Vista-based athletes.
To check out tours and more about the training center, click here.
