With no fans at sporting events, the past year has been lean for hotels and restaurants near the University of Oregon. Businesses expect a boost from two big track and field meets in June, but there are also challenges.
Even with limited spectators, the NCAA Track and Field Championships June 9th-12th and the Olympic Trials June 18th to 27th will bring thousands of athletes, staff and media to Hayward Field.
Sarah Smith is the Operations Manager for InnCline, which runs three local hotels. She said the Holiday Inn Express has partnerships with track and field, and “We’re definitely seeing a pick-up in occupancy and we’re basically full for the entire month of June.”
Smith said the obstacles now are on the operations side. Supplies like towels and sheets are four or five months back ordered, but the hardest thing is staffing. “We’re having hiring shortages across the board for entry-level positions at all of our properties," Smith told KLCC, "and I know that is an industry issue, along with restaurants, and just kind of the hospitality industry in general.”
Down Franklin Boulevard, across from Matt Knight Arena, Track Town Pizza co-owner Tim Hill agreed, saying, “I’m having a little bit of a hard time getting people hired right now. The labor market’s a little depleted I guess.”
Hill needs new employees. Since the initial pandemic shutdowns, pick up and delivery has grown 40 percent, and they’re planning a second location. The restaurant features Hayward Field memorabilia and the pizzas have names like The Olympian. He expects lots of visitors next month.
“You know, just the name," said Hill, "especially over the last 10 years or so. When they come to Track Town, they want to go to Track Town Pizza.”
Hill said not knowing if there will be fans makes it harder to plan. Because of changing guidance and shortages in supplies and labor, InnCline’s Sarah Smith gave this advice: “Hopefully we see a lot of patience from our guests and our patrons. It’s been a rough year, to say the least, for everyone.”
