The Olympic Track & Field Trials, put off by a year because of the pandemic, are underway at Hayward Field in Eugene. When they’ve been held here in past years, the Eugene area experienced a $37-million economic boost, according to industry experts.
The boost might not be on the same scale due to the pandemic’s reduced capacity limits, but Andy Vobora with Travel Lane County is hopeful. He said hotels have been well booked in the area for graduations, the NCAA’s, and now the trials at Hayward Field.
“It’s been a really rough year on the hospitality industry here and really across the United States,” Vobora said. “It is starting to bounce back pretty quickly and we’re excited to kind of see that. We’re seeing that in our lodging numbers in particular.”
Vobora said the Eugene Airport has also been back to 2019 levels of travel. He advised visitors and residents to be patient with restaurants and other local businesses, which may be short-staffed and extra busy during the trials.
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