Hayward Field’s facelift has taken the next step, as the UO Foundation, an independent non-profit organization, is managing the renovation. The foundation is responsible for receiving and distributing all gifts sent to the University of Oregon.
The renovation to the historic stadium will begin after it hosts its sixth U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials next summer. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2016, with the plan to have Hayward ready to host the NCAA Track and Field Championships in 2017.
A timeline of the project has been released:
2016
June 8-11: NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships
July 1-10: U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials
July 29: TrackTown Summer Series Championships
August 1: Construction begins
2017
Mid-May: Construction substantially complete
June 7-10: NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships
June 30: Construction resumes for renovation completion (estimate: 90 days)
The renovations are projected to go on for a year, with the goal to modernize the stadium while maintaining the tradition of the facility. The design will bring the older east grandstands into the modern era while preserving the original character. The construction project will also rebuild the rest of the venue, turning it into a world-class facility.
The UO Human Physiology faculty and students currently housed in the Bowerman Building will move to a separate dedicated facility within the west grandstands that will double as a research space with direct access to the indoor training facility, outdoor track and rec fields. The locker rooms will also be updated for the benefit of the athletes.
Upon completion of the project, and with approval from Oregon President Michael Schill and the UO Board of Trustees, the stadium will be named the Hayward Field at the Bowerman Track and Field Complex.
Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur