Hayward Field
University of Oregon
1580 East 15th Street
Eugene, OR 97403
Its Significance:
The Prefontaine Classic is recognized as the premier track and field meet in the United States and the only chance that fans have of seeing the World Athletics Tour on North American soil. Outside of Europe, this is the top-ranked annual track and field meet by the IAAF, a designation the Classic has enjoyed since 2000.
To qualify for the Prefontaine Classic, track and field athletes must be ranked in the Top 50 in the world for their respective events. This isan elite event with only the best competing. It draws the largest United States crowds for a track and field competition.
The annual event is named in honor of Steve Prefontaine, a track and field legend who was considered America’s greatest distance runner at the time of his 1975 death at the age of twenty-four. You may know him for two critically acclaimed movies based on his life: Prefontaine in 1997 and Without Limits in 1998.
Hayward Field is the home of the Prefontaine Classic. The track and field-only facility is named after Bill Hayward, the first track and field coach for the University of Oregon from 1904-1947. “Track City USA,” as it is known, not only attracts the best in track and field from thousands of miles away, but fans well-versed in the sport, not to mention enthusiastic and downright loud.
Sports Travel Insider’s Edge:
Best way to watch the action- As preparation for the U.S. Olympic trials for the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, Hayward Field now boasts several new renovations, in particular a brand-new scoreboard with real-time video and replays. Seating in the West Grandstand’s Section B is a great vantage point as is the Southeast side where you can sit in the grass at Powell Plaza.
Best place to get up close- A chronological display of Oregon track and field history is located on the outside of Powell Plaza. Learn about Steve Prefontaine, Bill Bowerman, Bill Hayward, and other track and field pioneers. No tickets are necessary and you can view it at any time.
Best travel tip- Your own film festival with a double-feature of Prefontaine and Without Limitswill provide you a background of the legendary Steve Prefontaine, and more importantly, get you in the spirit of the Classic. For an outside activity, go visit the Nike Campus located about ninety minutes from the track.
