On a recent media tour of the new track and field venue in Eugene, U of O Head Coach Robert Johnson invoked “Hayward Field Magic.”
He said it dawned on him recently that recruits don’t know whatit is, and he can’t wait to regain the home turf. He said the new Hayward will have everything they need in one place. Some athlete-friendly details have even been added along the way, including a track surface in the spectator area, under the arching roof:
Johnson: “That surface up here on the concourse, that wasn’t in the project in the beginning and that was something that they asked me my opinion and they listened and they provided. To have my input and have my footprint on some of the things that’ve been done here has been outstanding.”
There’s also a running surface under the track level, with a 140-meter straightaway and curve, as well as a double-story indoor area for pole vault and throwing. Johnson says crews are on target for completion before the mid-May Pac 12 meet.