The 2015 USATF Indoor Championships will return to Boston February 27-March 1 at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, USATF announced.
“The Reggie” was the site of the 2003-2009 USA Indoor Championships, on the campus of Roxbury Community College. The USATF Indoor Championships return after being held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from 2010-2014.
"This Reggie Lewis Center is a truly incredible community resource, from being the home of Roxbury Community College's high powered athletic programs, to hosting a 'Sensational Senior' fitness program for senior citizens, and now to continuing its record of hosting world-class Olympic-style track and field events," said Governor Deval Patrick. "Our investments in the Center have ensured that Roxbury Crossing remains the prime destination for track and field in Massachusetts and all of New England for many years to come."
“USATF is excited to be returning to Boston,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel. “With the city abuzz after Meb Keflezighi’s Boston Marathon victory, the profile for our sport in Boston is at a peak. A fast track, knowledgeable fans and great media market make it an ideal place for our indoor championships.”
The announcement comes as the Reggie Lewis Center undergoes facility upgrades and renovations – thanks to a $4 million award from Governor Patrick. The project scope calls for a resurfacing of the track, renovations and upgrades to HVAC, audio visual, security, and IT systems, a refurbished entrance, and general repairs to the facility’s interior and exterior.
Dr. Valerie Roberson, RCC President, said, “These renovations through the Governor’s funding will position the Reggie Lewis Center at RCC to remain one of the best track facilities in the country! We look forward to continuing to host local, regional and national activities.”
In its seven-year run as site of the USATF Indoor Championships, “the Reggie” saw several national and world records fall. In 2003, women’s pole vault pioneer Stacy Dragila set the indoor women’s world record, flying over the bar at a then-unprecedented 4.78m/15-8.25 in front of a sold-out crowd.
Other records set at the RLTAC include Erin Gilreath’s 2005 world record toss of 24.46m/80-3 in the women’s weight throw, the 2003 American record time of 7.74 in the women’s 60m hurdles by Gail Devers and most recently, 2012 Olympic gold medalist Jenn Suhr’s then-American Record in 2009 of 4.83m/15-10 in the women’s pole vault.
The Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center will be celebrating its 20th season in 2015. The “Reggie” hosts over 90 high schools, collegiate and national track meets annually and including the USATF Indoor Championships, the renowned New Balance Indoor Grand Prix and the Massachusetts High School State Championships. Global Athletics & Marketing, Inc., which conducts the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, will act as the local organizing committee.
About USATF: USA Track & Field is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world's oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the country’s No. 1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States. For more information on USATF, visit www.usatf.org.
About Roxbury Community College: The primary mission of RCC is to facilitate the success of students in achieving their educational goals. Now in its 41st year, RCC is a comprehensive, multicultural, urban, student-centered and open-access community college, providing learning opportunities for all who may benefit. The College serves the educational needs of Roxbury, surrounding communities and other diverse populations in the Commonwealth. For further details visit: http://www.rcc.mass.edu.
There are no comments
Please login to post comments