The historic Lyric Theatre in Oxford is about to take a dive. The theater usually known for hosting nationally-known artists as well as a venue for parties, weddings and events has decided to host a hot new indoor swimming site.
Starting July 18 and ending on the July 25, the Lyric will transform into Oxford Pool and Paddle.
The pool will open at 4 p.m. and will be available for all ages to come and take a dip, but adults must accompany children.
At 8 p.m. the pool will be strictly for people 18 and older.
For the Lyric, this is something the establishment has always wanted to try, sighting its inspiration for the inside pool as one new trend in big cities — roof top pool parties.
“This is a trend that goes on in a lot of big cities and we thought it would be really cool to bring something down here,” said even director Lindsay Maginnis. “They have this thing called the hot tub cinema club, where you get your own private pool and watch movies. So we thought this could be something like that.”
The pool will feature a live DJ, ping-pong set up for people to play, as well as summer movies being shown occasionally.
You don’t have to come to swim but if you want to swim you must have a swimsuit to get in the pool.
The bar will also be open and the pool will close the same time as the bars do on the Square at midnight or 1 a.m.
Because of the summer down time in comparison to the fall and spring the Lyric only opens for events such as concerts, weddings, and rentals.
“We have such a huge unused space during the summer, and during the week it’s completely dead,” Maginnis said. “If you go out there and look it is a big enough space to put an above ground indoor pool.”
This is a trial run for the Lyric and if all goes well, there are hopes to do something similar in the fall when more college students are here.
“We hope to have this in the fall available for Greek swaps for the fraternities,” Maginnis said. “On football weekend Fridays even put it up.
We’re also hoping to have it set up in a VIP area for concerts so people can enjoy the concert while still having fun in the pool.”
