Famed Hayward Field prepares to continue legacy at 2008 Olympic Trials
Posted June 15th, 2007 at 2:20 PM by Courtney Albon
Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Olympics
Ground was broken on Monday at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field, which hosted the legendary Prefontaine Classic last weekend in Eugene, OR; initiating the venues’ transformation as it prepares to host the fast-approaching 2008 Olympic Trials.
The first phase of renovations that will, when completed, amount to $7.39 million began with the excavation of the track’s infield which will be leveled and equipped with two pole vault runways, long jump and triple jump runways, side-by side shot put rings and high jump pits.
With a November deadline, officials have outlined a strict schedule for the renovation of the facilities. After the first phase is completed in mid-July, workers will put the final touches on the infield and insulate the stadium with bleachers that will seat 15,000 spectators. In September, the track’s surface will be laid out and, later in the year, a top-quality video scoreboard will be installed.
Officials who have spent many hours preparing for the initial excavation, and who will surely log many hours in the near future, are excited to see their plans taking shape.
“We’re finally here,” Oregon’s assistant athletic director, Michael Reilly said. “We’ve had months of planning and it’s nice to have it started.”
Reilly and others involved in the process watched as local commercial contractors ripped out whole sections of bleachers, created walls of debris from the track’s infield, and built fences and posted signs telling of the impending construction.
Some officials found it difficult to watch the excavation process because of the facility’s history.
“Of course, there’s tremendous heritage and history here, and we never want to take that lightly,” said Oregon director of track and field, Vince Lananna. “There’s a little trepidation with the timing … but we’re confident (because) we’ve put in a lot of thought.
While Monday’s excavation marked the beginning of the renovation process, there is still much to be done-including the raising of an additional $1.8 million to fund the project. Because the rest of the $7.39 million budget was funded entirely by donations, Lananna is sure that the rest of the funds will be provided.
For more than eighty years Hayward Field has told the stories of athletes striving for greatness. As the stadium is dug up and the facilities made new in the weeks and months to come, the history of Hayward is remembered and new stories of victory anticipated.
For more information: [Register Guard]
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Tags: 2008 olympic trials, Eugene, hayward field, Michael Reilly, Olympic Trials, oregon, Pre Classic, Prefontaine Classic, Steve Prefontaine, university of oregon, Vince Lananna
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June 16th, 2007 at 8:55 am