Abstract: A system and method for storing spent nuclear fuel below grade that affords adequate ventilation of the spent fuel storage cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a system comprising: a body having a cavity for receiving and storing a spent fuel canister, a major portion of the body positioned below grade; the body having at least one inlet ventilation duct extending from an above grade inlet to a below grade outlet in the cavity. The inlet ventilation duct can be a en elongated substantially S-shape extending from a side wall of the body to the bottom of the cavity. In another aspect, the invention is a method of storing a spent fuel canister using the system.