Oregon unveils Hayward Field renovation plans for next summer

Historic Hayward Field is getting a little modernized.

The University of Oregon Board of Trustees revealed the first look at next summer's renovation plans for Hayward Field on Thursday.

Hayward Field was selected to host the 2021 IAAF World Championships in track and field, and is expected to increase its capacity to seat 30,000 fans. Its 100th anniversary as a track and field venue is that year as well.

Before the global championship descends upon Eugene, Ore., Hayward Field will be the home for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships from 2016 to 2021 and the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials.

“With (Nike designer) Tinker Hatfield’s magnificent design vision, Hayward Field is sure to set a new standard as the home for athletes from across the world,” Tracktown USA President and Oregon associate athletic director for Olympic development Vin Lananna said in a release.

Hayward Field was initially constructed as a football field in 1919, but has since become renowned as America's Mecca for track and field.

Also included in renovation plans are expansions to the Bowerman Sports Science Clinic to triple the amount of space for athletic research in the facility.

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The teardown of the West Grandstand is expected to begin after next summer's U.S. Olympic Trials, which run from July 1 to 10 and decide which stars will represent America at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The historic East Grandstand is expected to remain.

The renovations will be privately funded and not use any of the university's operating money.

Notable events at Hayward Field next year:

2016 Nike Prefontaine Classic – May 27 and 28

2016 NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships – June 8 to 11

2016 U.S. Olympic Trials – July 1 to 10

- Christopher Chavez