by Larry Eder
Hayward Field, Summer 2016, photo by PhotoRun.net
Originally posted January 20, 2018
Reposted February 2, 2018
So, what do we need to understand about the visit by the IAAF to Eugene?
First of all, the IAAF finally gets it. There should have been a World Championships in the US thirty years ago. There is absolutely no excuse. But they sure get it now. The site team from the IAAF was fifteen people and they spent three days meeting with all the players.
Nike is paying for the redo of Hayward Field. Philip Knight, the founder of Nike has put Howard Slusher in charge of the redo of the stadium. That is the highest complement that Nike could give the importance of the remake of Hayward field. Think a European type track only stadium, seating about 35-40,000, with permanent and temporary seating. Mr. Slusher was the man behind Oregon’s football stadium. He is formidable and no whining is permitted.
That the University of Oregon, Tracktown and other parties were not playing well has been rumored for some time. USATF and the LOC will do their job, and the IAAF will make sure that the event is done according to the rules and regulations of the sport.
When IAAF’s CEO Olivier Gers says that the IAAF is not worried about the renovation or rebuild of Hayward Field they know that the Field will be done in time and honor the past as well as the future of the sport.
One final note. That the IAAF was able to forge a state wide relationship and support is a huge feather in the event’s cap.
More to come!
