Hayward Field

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses of "Hayward", see Hayward (disambiguation).

Hayward Field at University of Oregon is one of the most well-known historic track and field stadiums in the United States.

The start of the 200 at the 2006 Prefontaine Classic

It has been the home to the University of Oregon Track and Field teams since 1919. The 15,000 seat facility is also the home track of the Oregon Track Club and the Eugene Running Club of the USATF Elite Running Circuit. Hayward Field was named after the Oregon Ducks first coach, Bill Hayward, who ran the Ducks' program from 1904 to 1947.

Hayward was originally built for the school's football program. In 1921, a six-lane cinder track was added. In 1970, the track was widened to eight lanes and converted to an all-weather surface. The track converted to the metric system in 1988, its length changing from 440 yards to 400 meters.

The Bowerman Bulding

In addition, a 200-meter warmup track was added to the south of the main track, along with a new hammer throw area and a weight room facility. One of the most modern scoreboards of the time was added in 1991, which gave unofficial times and places of competitors seconds after they finished.

After a donation by Bill Bowerman, UO's longtime track coach, the 15,000 square foot Bowerman Building was added to the northeast of the track, housing locker rooms, U of O track memorabilia and the university's International Institute for Sport and Human Performance.

Another major renovation began in 2004, adding a new entrance named Powell Plaza, moving the practice track and expanding it to 400 meters, and replacing the aging fencing bordering the complex, among other improvements. Upon news that Eugene will be hosting the US Olympic Trials in 2008, another series of improvements was planned.

The new entrance to Hayward Field, completed in 2005

Hayward Field has hosted NCAA Champiosnhips, USATF Championships, USATF Elite Running Curcuit events, and the stadium hosts the Nike Prefontaine Classic annually in June. It hosted the US Track and Field Olympic Trials in 1972, 1976, and 1980, making it the only site to host three consecutive trials. It will again host the Trials in 2008.

Nike released the "Air Zoom Hayward" running shoe, in honor of Hayward Field.