Hayward Field has been credited as one of the fastest tracks in the world, and it has, in large part, contributed to Eugene's reputation as Track Town, USA.

Hayward Field has hosted historic races and continues to host pivotal meets like the NCAA D1 Track and Field Championships, but the mythology around the track has been built over the past 100 years. 

• Subscribe To FloTrack To Watch More Track & Field Meets All Year Long
• NCAA Track And Field Championships 2024 Schedule
• NCAA Track And Field Championships Women's Start Lists, Entries
• NCAA Track And Field Championships Men's Start Lists, Entries

As college track stars take the field for the 2024 edition of the NCAA Track and Field Championships, here's what to know about historic Hayward Field. 

5 Things To Know About Hayward Field

Hayward Field Is The Home Of Oregon Track And Field

Built in 1919, Hayward Field was initially constructed for the Oregon Ducks' football team. 

The field was named after Bill Hayward, who is known for being the father of University of Oregon track and field. In 1921, a six-lane track was installed, marking the start of one of the world's fastest tracks; it was then converted to turf (from sawdust) in the '30s. 

Since then, the field has hosted the NCAA D1 Track and Field Championships 15 times and will continue to be the location for the next four years. 

Hayward Field Contributed To Nike's Creation

The University of Oregon, and more specifically Hayward Field, have also been credited as the location of the origin of Nike. 

Phil Knight, one of the co-creators of Nike, ran at the University of Oregon under coach Bill Bowerman. Bowerman, the other co-creator, was obsessed with his runners having the best shoes. 

Nike says that Knight was the first to try shoes Bowerman designed. After Knight went through Stanford's MBA program, he and Bowerman struck a 50-50 ownership deal for their new company called Blue Ribbon Sports, headquartered in Eugene, beginning in 1964. Sixty years later, Nike is worth more than $141 billion and sponsors Oregon athletics as well as teams, athletes and organizations around the world. 

Hayward Field Hosted The Olympic Trials Seven Times

The NCAA D1 Track and Field Championships haven't been the only reoccurring track meet at Hayward Field. 

The Olympic Trials were hosted at Hayward Field in 1972, 1976, 1980, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020, and will be the location for the 2024 trials starting on June 21.

USATF Championships At Hayward Field

The USA Track & Field Championships have also been hosted at Hayward Field. 

The governing body for the sports of track and field in the USA held their championships 11 times in Eugene from the years 1986 to 2022.

Films Featuring Hayward Field

Hayward Field's fame hasn't been limited to track and field. 

The University of Oregon was the location for the film National Lampoon's Animal House, and the field can be seen in the background of some scenes. 

The field is also in the fictionalized staging of the Olympic trials of Personal Best and featured in the biopic of Steve Prefontaine called Without Limits.

Hayward Field has also hosted iconic races such as Suzy Favor Hamilton vs. Gabriela Szabo in 2000 and the comeback of the University of Southern California women's team. 

FloTrack Is The Streaming Home For Many Track And Field Meets Each Year

Don’t miss all the track and field season action streaming on FloTrack. Check out the FloTrack schedule for more events.

FloTrack Archived Footage

Video footage from each event will be archived and stored in a video library for FloTrack subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.

Join The Track & Field Conversation On Social

• Follow us on Twitter @FloTrack
• Follow us on Instagram @flotrack
• Follow us on TikTok @flotracktv
• Watch us on YouTube
• Like us on Facebook