Hayward Field - History

History

Hayward was built in 1919 to replace Kincaid Field, and was intended to primarily serve the school's football program. In 1921, a six-lane cinder track was constructed around the football field. By the mid-1960s, the football team had outgrown the venue and moved to the new Autzen Stadium in September 1967, and Hayward Field became a facility solely for track and field. Its track was widened to eight lanes in 1970 and converted to an all-weather surface. The track was converted to metric in 1988, its lap length reduced 2.336 m (7 ft. 8 in.) from 440 yards (402.336 m) to 400 meters. In addition, a 200 m warmup track was added to the south of the main track, along with a new hammer throw area and a weight room facility. A state-of-the-art scoreboard was added in 1991, which gave unofficial times and competitors' placings just seconds after race completion.

After a donation by Bill Bowerman, UO's longtime track coach, the 15,000-square-foot (1,400 m2) Bowerman Building was added to the northwest of the track, housing locker rooms, U of O track memorabilia and the university's International Institute for Sport and Human Performance.

It was here on 3 February 1963 following Bowerman's New Zealand visit with his 4x 1 mile track team that he would bring Arthur Lydiard's concept of jogging to the American masses.

A major renovation in 2004 added a new entrance named Powell Plaza, moved the practice track and expanded it to 400 meters, and replaced the aging fencing bordering the complex, among other improvements. After Eugene was awarded the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials, Hayward Field underwent additional renovations in 2007. Eight light poles were installed for televised night events, and the crowned infield was removed and reconfigured. A walkway was added behind the west grandstand, and a new scoreboard was installed, thanks to a donation by noted alumnus Phil Knight and Nike.

Hayward Field has hosted USATF championships in 1986, 1993, 1999, 2001, 2009, and 2011, and Olympic trials in 1972, 1976, 1980, 2008, and 2012. It also has hosted NCAA championships, USATF Elite Running Circuit events, and annually hosts the Nike Prefontaine Classic.