Saturday, May 2, 2026

Oregon’s Renovated Track & Field “Theater” Hosting Championships

  • The $270M renovation expanded maximum capacity to 25,000 and added a number of new amenities.
  • The project was funded entirely by private donations, including one from Nike founder Phil Knight.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

One of college track and field’s most iconic programs continues to show off its recently renovated facilities in style.

The University of Oregon will host the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships for the 14th time in program history — and second since its Hayward Field reopened after Spring 2020 renovations.

The project expanded seating to 12,650 — with maximum capacity up to 25,000 — and added a ninth running lane.

Facilities underneath the track include equipment and training rooms, player lounges, a barbershop, and covered areas for each track and field discipline.

There is also a 10-story tower in the shape of the Olympic Torch that houses a museum and an observation deck.

The $270 million compound was funded entirely by private donations — most notably from avid UO booster and Nike co-founder Phil Knight, who recently put in an offer to buy the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Championships begin Wednesday.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Cleveland Browns players Denzel Ward and Carson Schwesinger, left, join with others as they take part in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park, Ohio on April 30, 2026.

Browns Break Ground on New Stadium, but Funding Still in Limbo

State and local funding for the planned venue is not yet solidified.

Puma Denies Its Carbon-Plated Shoes Cause Injuries After Lawsuit

The company pushed back on claims that its shoes increased injury risk.

Star Runner Says ‘Defective’ Puma Shoes Ruined Her Career

A series of foot surgeries prematurely ended her career.

Featured Today

Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.

Royals’ New $3B Stadium Lands Downtown, but Not Where Expected

The MLB club strikes a large-scale development deal with Hallmark Cards.
Apr 4, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lane Thomas (15) celebrates in the dugout after scoring during the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Kauffman Stadium.
April 17, 2026

Kansas City Okays $600M for New Royals Stadium

The MLB club must still complete the rest of its stadium financing plan.
April 21, 2026

Illinois Lawmakers Race to Advance $5B Bears Stadium Plan

State legislators race against the clock as a stadium decision nears.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Apr 10, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) throws to first base during the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium.
April 14, 2026

Royals One Step Closer to New Kansas City Stadium

The MLB club receives support from two key votes.
April 6, 2026

Chicago Mayor Pushes for Rejected Downtown Bears Stadium Site

Despite the team’s focus on suburban options, city leaders continue their efforts.
April 6, 2026

Rays Return to Rebuilt Tropicana Field, but Bigger Questions Remain

As the club’s current ballpark is restored, new stadium plans are developing.
Sponsored

Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar

MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.