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The reimagined Hayward Field at the University of Oregon in Eugene is more than just a stadium; it's a testament to the legacy of Oregon track and field and a bold vision for the future of the sport.
The 12,650-seat stadium, completed in 2020, was designed by SRG Partnership and constructed by Hoffman Construction. The project, funded by gifts from Penny and Phil Knight and over 50 other donors, boasts state-of-the-art facilities for athletes and an unparalleled fan experience, earning its moniker, "a theater for track and field."
The new design honors this legacy while embracing innovation, which is evident in the stadium's striking architectural features. A 180-foot-tall tower inspired by the Olympic torch is a landmark for the stadium and houses offices, meeting rooms, an observation deck, and a museum dedicated to the history of Oregon track and field.
One of the most impressive features of the new Hayward Field is the soaring wood canopy that envelops the stadium. Constructed using 462 Douglas Fir glulam pieces, the canopy is a tribute to Oregon's rich history of timber production. Over 1 million linear feet of Douglas Fir lumber went into these glulam pieces, equivalent to 830.5 laps around the 400-meter track. Mark Wigston, CET, Senior Manager of Projects and Technical Services at Western Archrib, the company responsible for the glulam fabrication, notes the significance of this material choice: “Mass timber was the correct choice for this structure because the Pacific Northwest is known for its forests. The design group wanted the roof canopy to have an iconic look that embodied the region and the history of Hayward Field.”
The facility boasts nearly 40,000 square feet of space dedicated to training and recovery. This includes a six-lane, 140-meter indoor straightaway, a two-story field event space, a weight training facility, and a hydrotherapy area. The design team installed a track surface on the 84,000-square-foot concourse and ADA ramps for year-round training.
The success of the Hayward Field project can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of a global team, involving specialists from Europe, Asia, and North America. Weekly Building Information Modeling (BIM) sessions were held for months before construction began, involving key stakeholders worldwide. This meticulous planning, combined with a reverse-engineered construction process that worked backward from the project's finish date, helped to mitigate potential challenges and ensure the project's timely completion.
Sansin Corporation, in collaboration with Western Archrib and Hoffman Construction, developed a three-coat system featuring a custom "Golden Wheat" color. “Sansin was the ideal partner because they could accommodate the numerous color choices and products that could work well for the demanding exterior environment this wood experiences," says Wigston. “Another important factor is that Sansin could provide long-term maintenance support for the client with a unique proactive aftercare program.”
Every seat boasts a spacious 22-inch width and a comfortable 44-inch tread depth, ensuring a pleasant viewing experience for even the longest track and field events. The transparent ETFE roof protects fans from the elements and enhances the stadium's acoustics, amplifying the crowd's cheers and creating an immersive sensory experience.
It's a world-class facility that pays homage to the sport's history while setting the stage for future generations of athletes. Jeff Yrazabal AIA, LEED AP, lead principal at SRG Partnership, aptly sums up the sentiment surrounding the project: "The fan base in Eugene and the Pacific Northwest, there is a special connection to the sport, and they know when something special is happening on the track and this place just comes alive. To have that energy consolidated at the finish line, it is incredible to think about the experience the athletes have as they are heading toward the finish line with all the fans right there on top of you."
This is a partial list of all the individuals and organizations contributing to the Hayward Field project. In the comments section, please let us know if you contributed in any way.
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