RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - The NOVA-Regency Aquatics Center celebrated the grand opening of its second-floor expansion, completing a six-year project that transforms a former department store into a national-level swimming facility.

The 29,000-square-foot expansion adds 1,000 spectator seats upstairs, doubling the viewing capacity at the facility located in what was once a Macy’s department store at Regency Square Mall.

“The energy that this place had before the second floor was finished was great, but now it just amps it up another level having thousands of people up here on the second floor cheering on their kids, which is what it’s all about,” said Drew Hirth, director of operations for NOVA of Virginia Aquatics.

It was Hirth who had the vision to bring NOVA to Regency, which has helped revitalize the mall.

“The space we’re in was opened in the mid-70s,” Hirth said. “I remember being in here for sure when it was a retail outlet. I remember when it was Thalhimer’s.”

“When we saw the space, we always knew that it was meant to be a two-story national facility that could seat spectators on top and athletes underneath,” said Leigh Peterson, CEO of NOVA of Virginia Aquatics.

Henrico County leaders said the expansion will benefit both residents and regional sports tourism.

“It’s great for the region in terms of sports tourism to bring folks here,” said Jody Rogish, Tuckahoe District Supervisor. “It’s also great for our residents. They don’t have to travel to Northern Virginia, to other parts of the country. They can stay here in their hometown of Henrico and watch their own kids swim here.”

Peterson said NOVA hosted 28 events last year and have 33 planned this year.

“Starting with the Mid-Atlantic age group championship showdown, bringing teams from New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Washington D.C. to compete,” Peterson said.