The greatest track meet on U.S. soil will return to TrackTown USA when the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track & Field are contested July 1-10, 2016, in Eugene, Ore. On behalf of USA Track & Field and the U.S. Olympic Committee, USATF CEO Max Siegel made the announcement today on the steps of the Oregon state capitol. He was joined in making the announcement by Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, University of Oregon President Mike Gottfredson, Oregon State Senate President Peter Courtney and TrackTown USA President Vin Lananna.
“Eugene set the bar high for what it means to host an Olympic Trials in 2008, and in 2012 they exceeded anyone’s expectations with a truly spectacular, world-class event,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel. “Local and state organizers cater not only to our athletes, but to track fans as well, and they have redefined the fan experience. As our sport continues to grow nationally, we are pleased to return to TrackTown in 2016. ”The largest national championship track meet in the world, the U.S. Olympic Team Trials hosts more than 1,000 athletes competing for a chance to advance to the Olympic Games as a member of Team USA, the World’s #1 Track & Field Team. The awarding of the 2016 Olympic Trials marks the third consecutive Trials hosted in Eugene and the sixth overall for the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.
“The USOC is pleased that the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Track and Field will be returning to Hayward Field and the University of Oregon in 2016,” said USOC Chief Executive Officer Scott Blackmun. “Outstanding performances in Eugene during the 2008 and 2012 Trials set the stage for incredible success for Team USA in both Beijing and London. We thank USATF for their commitment to making the trials a great event, and thank the people of Eugene for their support of America’s athletes.”
“The State of Oregon embraces the sport of track and field and welcomes the opportunity to once again host those athletes competing to represent Team USA in 2015 and 2016,” said Gov. John Kitzhaber. “The events bring important economic activity to the state and opportunities for Oregonians to cheer on the nation’s finest athletes, including so many who call this ‘home’.”
In 2012, the Olympic Trials and its surrounding festival attracted more than 173,000 paid fans over eight days of competition that were highlighted by Ashton Eaton’s world record in the decathlon. The fan festival—including an expansive, high-tech interactive zone hosted by Nike – added local entertainment and food, engagement with star athletes, and youth track and field activities to the fan experience.
“We are honored and pleased that TrackTown USA will once again welcome the World’s No. 1 Team as the athletes select themselves for a spot on Team USA in Rio,” said Lananna. “We are excited to partner once again with all stakeholders to make this event a huge success.”
Eugene previously hosted the 1972, 1976, 1980, 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, and in 2014 will host the IAAF World Junior Track & Field Championships. Hayward Field has played host to 10 NCAA Outdoor Championships and annually hosts standing-room-only crowds for the Nike Prefontaine Classic.
About USA Track & Field: USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track & field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world's oldest organized sports, the World's #1 Track & Field Team, the most-watched events at the Olympics, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport, and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States: www.usatf.org.
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