Skip to content
Toggle menu
SportsTravel SportsTravel

Breaking News, Podcasts and Analysis Serving People who Organize, Manage and Host Sports Events

Primary Menu
  • News
    • Hosts & Suppliers
    • Recently Awarded
    • Sports Organizations
    • Sports Venues
    • Sponsors & Media
  • IN DEPTH
    • Editor’s Picks
    • On Assignment
    • Perspectives
    • Technology in Sports
  • Podcasts
  • Sports
    • CATEGORY
      • Amateur Sports
      • Youth Sports
      • Collegiate Sports
      • Professional Sports
      • Olympic Sports
      • Paralympic Sports
      • National Governing Body
      • Adaptive Sports
      • Sustainability
      • Water Sports
      • Winter Sports
      • Women’s Sports
    • INDIVIDUAL SPORTS
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Bowling
      • Cycling
      • Football
      • Golf
      • Gymnastics
      • Hockey
      • Lacrosse
      • Motorsports
      • Pickleball
      • Rugby
      • Running
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • Swimming
      • Tennis
      • Track & Field
      • Triathlon
      • Volleyball
      • Wrestling
  • Esports
    • Esports News
    • Esports Guide
    • EsportsTravel Summit
  • Resources
    • Bid Bowl
    • Submission Form
      • About Bid Bowl
    • Destination Spotlight
    • Destination Guides
    • Downloadable Guides
    • Venue Guides
    • Media Kit
      • Media Kit
      • 2023 Editorial Calendar
    • Digital Edition
  • Subscribe
    • Subscribe to E-Newsletter
  • EVENTS
    • TEAMS CONFERENCE & EXPO
    • TEAMS Europe
    • EsportsTravel Summit
    • SportsTravel Road Trip
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram


Home > Track & Field > Prefontaine Classic Returns to Normalcy in 2022

Prefontaine Classic Returns to Normalcy in 2022

Premier track-and-field event to show off
renovated Hayward Field, welcome back Paralympians

Posted On : May 24, 2022 By : Justin Shaw
Joshua Cheptegei leading pack_cr. TrackTown
The 2021 Prefontaine Classic took place last August. The 2022 event moves back to its traditional dates. Photo courtesy of TrackTown USA

Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, has always been near the top of any list of track-and-field venues not only in the United States, but the world.

Now, the historic spot that has seen so many record-breaking performances is ready to take center stage this year with a series of big meets to show off its recent $270 million renovation with a capacity crowd.

The Prefontaine Classic is as iconic as the venue in which it takes place. Named for Steve Prefontaine, one of the greatest U.S. distance runners in history, the event invites the best in the world in 14 track-and-field disciplines.

That’s where Michael Reilly and TrackTown USA come in. Reilly, a former runner at Stanford, is co-meet director of the Prefontaine Classic and chief executive officer of TrackTown USA, which helps organize the event.

After seeing the Prefontaine Classic cancelled due to COVID in 2020, the 2021 event took place in August. Everything is full speed ahead in 2022 and back to the normal dates for an event that, according to Travel Lane County, has an estimated economic impact of $1.24 million.

“I feel much better about 2022 than I did about 2021,” Reilly said. “This year has been great. Everybody in the sports world has learned over the past year how to do things more safely. Regulations not changing week-to-week has led to more certainty and we’re really seeing that reflected in ticket sales, where we’re on a record pace.

“Most of the medalists from the Tokyo (Olympic) Games will be here, so that creates a spectacular opportunity for people who didn’t get a chance to come to the Olympic Trials last year to see these star athletes up close and personal.”

Paralympic Disciplines Return

The Prefontaine Classic is a part of the Wanda Diamond League – the preeminent track-and-field series in the world. Adding to the importance of this year’s meet is the return of Paralympic events to the Prefontaine Classic for the first time since 1989.

For the first time since 1989, Paralympians will compete at the Prefontaine Classic. Photo by Craig Blanchette

The men’s 400 meters (T62) and women’s 100 meters (T63) will join the other 14 traditional disciplines at Hayward Field.

“We’re thrilled to host these great athletes,” Reilly said of the Paralympians. “Adding those events came about through a great partnership with Nike – they’re the title sponsor of the Prefontaine Classic, but this is an additional investment they’ve made. The athletes in those two events will earn the same prize money as the athletes competing in the Diamond League disciplines.

“Hayward Field is the heart of the sport of track and field at all levels and for all athletes. We will have some of the great medalists from the Tokyo Paralympic Games – great American athletes – and I really hope this is the first step to having many more Paralympic events at the Prefontaine Classic.”

Venue Transformation

As with any iconic venue, Hayward Field has had to adapt and improve since opening in 1919. It has undergone renovations in 1974 and 2004, but nothing like what took place the past few years when a $270 million facelift elevated Hayward Field to a new level.

The reformations expanded the seating to 12,650 from 10,500 in permanent seating, with expandable seating bringing the maximum capacity to 25,000.

The new 10-story tower, part of the $270 million renovation, is shaped like the Olympic Torch. Photo courtesy of TrackTown USA

The new 10-story tower that overlooks the stadium is modeled after an Olympic torch. It features a lobby filled with interpretive exhibits and multiple levels for viewing with a top-story observation deck.

The stadium has a new LED lighting system, indoor practice facility and an added ninth lane on the track. The unique -looking, bent roof has acoustics to send noise directly onto the field.

“The way Lane 9 is configured, there’s about three feet between it and the front row of seats,” Reilly said. “They’ve located as many seats as they could around the finish line, because that’s where everybody wants to sit.

“The field of play stayed in the same configuration, but the athletic surface of the track was specifically tuned to make it the fastest track in the world. And I think at the World Championships this summer, the times that get posted in those events will validate it.”

The Prefontaine Classic is the first of three huge events taking place at Hayward Field in the next three months. The USA Track and Field Championships will be held June 23–26, followed by the World Athletics Championships July 15–24 — the first time the championships will be held in the United States.

“For us, the Prefontaine Classic is an opportunity to showcase our athletes in May as they get ready for the U.S. and World Championships in June and July,” Reilly said. “This event starts that journey and it will shine a spotlight on the sport in the United States like never before.”

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Email
Posted in: Latest News, Olympic Sports, Paralympic Sports, Sports Organizations, Track & FieldTagged : Hayward Field,Paralympics,Track and Field

Post navigation

Hershey Renews Partnership with Team USA, Joins LA28
NFL Combine Will Return to Indianapolis for 2023 and 2024

Follow us on Twitter

SportsTravel Follow

Breaking News, Podcasts and Analysis Serving People who Organize, Manage and Host Sports Events. Producers of the TEAMS Conference & Expo.

SportsTravel
sportstravel SportsTravel @sportstravel ·
3 Feb

The @usta has announced that Coco Gauff and the United States @BJKCup Team will play at the Delray Beach Tennis Center April 14–15 in a 2023 match against Austria. @pbsportsfl
https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/billie-jean-king-cup-tie-heading-to-palm-beaches/

Reply on Twitter 1621651227879825408 Retweet on Twitter 1621651227879825408 Like on Twitter 1621651227879825408 1 Twitter 1621651227879825408
sportstravel SportsTravel @sportstravel ·
3 Feb

The @PGA has announced that Dancing Rabbit Golf Club at @PRRofficial in Philadelphia, Mississippi, will host the 2023 PGA University Championship, set for November 13–15.
https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/2023-pga-university-championship-headed-to-mississippi/

Reply on Twitter 1621627267234529280 Retweet on Twitter 1621627267234529280 Like on Twitter 1621627267234529280 2 Twitter 1621627267234529280
sportstravel SportsTravel @sportstravel ·
3 Feb

.@GSOB_Sports is exploring the possibility of a $6 million, 38,000-square-foot building at the city’s Sportsplex for sports and community events. The venue would accommodate several courts for volleyball, basketball or pickleball.
https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/gulf-shores-explores-new-6-million-building/

Reply on Twitter 1621606559905353728 Retweet on Twitter 1621606559905353728 Like on Twitter 1621606559905353728 Twitter 1621606559905353728
sportstravel SportsTravel @sportstravel ·
3 Feb

The Danish capital of Copenhagen will host the 2024 @FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Qualifier and @FIBA3x3 Europe Cup in 2025, complete with an urban festival with street activities.
https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/copenhagen-to-host-two-fiba-europe-cup-events/

Reply on Twitter 1621595821182705667 Retweet on Twitter 1621595821182705667 Like on Twitter 1621595821182705667 Twitter 1621595821182705667
Load More

sportstravel

There's so much to discover at the new Virginia Be There's so much to discover at the new Virginia Beach Sports Center! 285,000 square feet of convertible space can accommodate 12 basketball courts, 24 volleyball courts, nine field hockey courts, and a 200-meter hydraulically banked track—and it can hold up to 5,000 spectators to watch the action.
SportsTravel is on location in Philadelphia for th SportsTravel is on location in Philadelphia for the @unitedsoccercoaches Convention that starts tomorrow and lasts throughout the week. We’re looking forward to the next few days of connecting with friends old and new on location.
CES 2023 is going strong in Las Vegas. CES 2023 is going strong in Las Vegas.
Virginia Beach may be famous for its gorgeous outd Virginia Beach may be famous for its gorgeous outdoor spaces, but the city’s newest sports facility makes it a pleasure to be indoors. The @vbsportscenter is your premier sports facility in Virginia Beach, offering high-quality basketball, volleyball, field hockey, track & field facilities, and plenty of room for your team to shine. Find out more at https://vbsportscenter.com
Michigan won’t go away. What an instant classic. Michigan won’t go away. What an instant classic.
The TCU faithful have had a lot to cheer about in The TCU faithful have had a lot to cheer about in the first half.
The College Football Playoff kicks off with the fi The College Football Playoff kicks off with the first semifinal between TCU and Michigan at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.
Some sights and sounds from the Rivalry Series gam Some sights and sounds from the Rivalry Series game between Team USA and Team Canada on December 15.
Hilary Knight tied the game for Team USA in the th Hilary Knight tied the game for Team USA in the third period of a Rivalry Series game with Team Canada on December 15.
Michelle Lupo, the business development manager fo Michelle Lupo, the business development manager for the @northstarmeets Sports Division, moderated a session today at the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism, featuring Kara Bachman from the Chicago Sports Commission, Curtis Francois from World Wide Technology Raceway and John Groh from the Rockford Area CVB. Thank you for the opportunity to talk about sports-related travel!

@chisportscomm @wwtraceway @gorockford #travel #tourism #sportstravel #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness
The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok kicks off wi The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok kicks off with a 2 a.m. start Sunday to give runners the best conditions possible across the city. The Expo is taking place at Royal Paragon Hall, where runners can pick up their bibs and prepare for the race.

#marathon #running #sportsevents #sportstourism #sportstravel @tourismthailand
Thank you to @worldathletics and Mass Participatio Thank you to @worldathletics and Mass Participation World for the chance for SportsTravel Executive Editor and Publisher Jason Gewirtz to present the latest data on sports-related travel to delegates at the World Athletics Global Running Conference in Bangkok. Friday’s schedule also included remarks from the prime minister of Thailand and the country’s sports and tourism minister, who emphasized the importance of sports events to the nation’s economy and quality of life.

#athletics #thailand #bangkok #running #sportstravel #sportstourim @tourismthailand
Love high speed sports? We are at the @ibsfsliding Love high speed sports? We are at the @ibsfsliding World Cup event in Park City at @utaholympicpark this weekend. Friday morning’s action was the women’s monobob event, won by American Kaillie Humphries. Scroll through to see the #bobsled in action at full speed, then slow motion, and hear from Humphries after her win.
SportsTravel is in Bangkok, Thailand, this week mo SportsTravel is in Bangkok, Thailand, this week moderating sessions and presenting on sports-related travel at the @worldathletics Global Running Conference, including an opening day session on government relations in sports events featuring @sport_singapore, Portas Consulting, @laliga and @houstonsports_janis from the @hc_hsa who appeared virtually from Doha where she is attending the World Cup.
#sportstourism #sportstravel #mpw22 #wagrc
Winner buys dinner! When you bring your sports eve Winner buys dinner! When you bring your sports event to World Equestrian Center – Ocala, you can refuel with something heavenly from seven different on-site restaurants. From pub burgers and #taco salads to fine dining, WEC has a #winning option for everyone.
Twickenham Stadium in London is the largest rugby Twickenham Stadium in London is the largest rugby union stadium in the world, seating 82,000. The home of England Rugby, it is owned and operated by the Rugby Football Union and hosts events year round. 

#rugby #rugbyunion #twickenham @twickenhamstadium
Black in a sea of orange: the courage of the oppos Black in a sea of orange: the courage of the opposing fans.

@raiders @broncos @nfl #fans #raiderfans #broncofans @empowerfieldatmilehigh
One of the NFL’s best traditions is the @broncos One of the NFL’s best traditions is the @broncosthunderstorm skydivers who jump into Empower Field at Mile High before every @broncos game.
Beer and alcohol sales may be banned at the World Beer and alcohol sales may be banned at the World Cup, but in the @nfl, there are more than enough in-stadium options, including the many available at Empower Field at Mile High, home of the @broncos. 

#worldcup #2022worldcup #broncos #beer #drinks #sportsevents
Stay in comfort and style during your next sports Stay in comfort and style during your next sports event at World Equestrian Center – Ocala’s luxury hotel, three-bedroom rental units or full-service #rvpark. Restore your aching body with treatments at Calluna #spa or enjoy dining and shopping at the facility’s impressive restaurants and performance retailers.
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Toronto Maple Leafs to Host 2024 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend
  • Billie Jean King Cup Heading to Palm Beaches
  • 2023 PGA University Championship Headed to Mississippi
  • Gulf Shores Explores New $6 Million Building at Sportsplex
  • Copenhagen to Host Two FIBA Europe Cup Events
  • Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay to Begin in Marseille
  • Australia, New Zealand ‘Disappointed’ by Women’s World Cup Saudi Sponsorship
  • IOC Details Russia Stance for Olympics as Ukraine Threatens Boycott
Sports Travel Magazine

About Us

Since 1997, SportsTravel magazine has served the sports‐related travel and event industry. It is the only publication written and designed to serve the people who organize, manage and host sporting events of all types at all levels.

  • Subscribe to E-Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • SportsTravel Foundation
  • Supplied Content
  • Privacy
  • Terms

NORTHSTAR TRAVEL MEDIA SITES

  • Northstar Meetings Group
  • Meetings & Conventions
  • Meetings & Conventions Asia
  • Meetings & Conventions China
  • Successful Meetings
  • Incentive
  • Meeting News
  • Retail Travel
  • Travel Technology
  • Corporate Travel
  • Hotel Investment
  • Data Products
  • See All Northstar Brands

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Sports ETA

Destinations International
Northstar Travel Media LLC Copyright © 2023 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000
scroll to top