EUGENE, Ore. – With Tuesday’s announcement of the 2021 Wanda Diamond League schedule, the Nike Prefontaine Classic and the world’s best track and field athletes are set to return to Hayward Field at the University of Oregon on Aug. 20-21. After a two-year hiatus from Eugene due to stadium renovation in 2019 and the COVID-related cancellation of the 2020 event, the 2021 Nike Prefontaine Classic represents the first opportunity since May 2018 for international athletes to compete in front of the Hayward Field faithful.

The timing couldn’t be better for peak performances with the 2021 Nike Prefontaine Classic just 12 days after the conclusion of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

“It’s going to be exciting to have the Nike Prefontaine Classic back at Hayward Field,” University of Oregon head coach Robert Johnson said. “This meet has always been a showcase, not only for the sport but also for our incredible fan base here in Eugene. It will also be exciting to have Hayward Field resume its long-standing tradition of hosting the biggest meets that feature the best athletes from around the world.”

While the complete 2021 schedule for meets at Hayward Field is still being finalized and will be announced at a later date, two other major events have been previously confirmed for the upcoming season with the 2021 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships (June 9-12) and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track and Field (June 18-27). Looking further ahead on the calendar, Hayward Field will also host the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 (July 15-24, 2022) which will mark the first time that event will be held in the United States.

Events Announced for Hayward Field
June 9-12, 2021: NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships
June 18-27, 2021: U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track and Field
Aug. 20-21, 2021: Nike Prefontaine Classic
July 15-24, 2022: World Athletics Championships Oregon22

The return of the Nike Prefontaine Classic to Hayward Field will also bring with it the famed Hayward Magic, created by the environment and taken in by the athletes in competition.

“Eugene is a small town but there’s a big legacy here,” six-time NCAA champion at UO and 2019 World silver medalist Raevyn Rogers said. “The people carry the stories and they add to the legacy of Hayward Magic and the tradition here. I think (Hayward Magic) is the energy. It’s also the people and the location of Hayward Field, but I think it’s the energy that comes from those.”

Last month, the NCAA announced Hayward Field as the host site of the NCAA Championships from 2024 through 2027. Coupled with the 2021 and 2022 meets, site for six of the next seven NCAA Championships will be held in Eugene.

With a permanent capacity of 12,650, and the ability to add temporary seating for events like the U.S. Olympic Trials and WCH Oregon22, Hayward Field offers athletes an unparalleled stage to push their limits for outstanding performances. Additionally, Hayward Field will provide the ultimate fan experience–a theater for track and field with the front row of seating at track level, mere feet from the outside of the expanded track that now features nine lanes.

In addition to Hayward Field being a tremendous big-meet venue for fans, athletes can look forward to state-of-the-art facilities below concourse level. The indoor practice space features a six-lane, 140-meter straightaway and a dedicated area for all jumpers–including pole vault–and throwers.

More details and information about the renovation of Hayward Field can be found on the University of Oregon website. For more news, visit the Nike Prefontaine Classic website and follow @nikepreclassic on Twitter.

For more news and information about Oregon Track and Field, follow @OregonTF on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.