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Protesters Denounce Razing Of East Grandstand, As Crews Prep Hayward Field

Brian Bull
/
KLCC

Roughly 15 protesters stood outside Hayward Field in Eugene this hot afternoon. They’re decrying the University of Oregon’s demolition of the East Grandstand. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports.

Not much stands in the way of the facility’s demolition. Even as members of the group, Save Hayward Magic, held up signs and made speeches blaming Nike’s corporate pressure, work crews were laying out fence around the site’s perimeter and other prep work.

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
/
KLCC
A work crew member unrolls fence that'll secure the demolition perimeter, as others keep surveying and salvaging the site Tuesday afternoon.

Local activist Aloha Heart says two of her three kids are U of O alumni. She’s imploring the university to keep the East Grandstand.

“It is a precious place, all the history, all the energy," Heart tells KLCC.

"And people all over this world know about Hayward Field, it’s been in the news because of all the amazing events that have happened here.”

A U of O spokesman says the Hayward Field sign, bench seats, and other parts of the 93-year-old structure will be put into a museum housed inside a new, 200-million-dollar stadium.

Major donors are Nike co-founder Phil Knight, and his wife, Penny.

Copyright 2018, KLCC.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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