Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska
USATF says: "OT should stay in Eugene. NCAA and USATF should go back to Sacramento. It is way better than Eugene with regards to weather"
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Totally the opposite. Other cities need to start ponying up an start bidding on the Oly Trials to take the pressure off of Eugene. Let's face it, USATF and the USOC pay their bills from the bid fees and will not award the Trials to someone who isn't willing to pay a steep price...it's about economics folks. It would be great if someone other than Eugene would pony up, but, other than Drake, it isn't happening. In case you guys aren't keeping up with the news, The Sacramento Sports Authority is now officially bankrupt and the city of Sacramento is not handing out another penny for track and field events. The Home Depot Center was never finished and won't be, because they are not spending another penny on a facility that can't pay for itself. So, who (other than Drake) is willing to pony up? And even if they had a solvent organization, please spare us about Sacramento's weather. Are you referring to the dust and 110 degree temps?
non O wrote:
Personally, I'd be happy to return to Eugene in '16, but I'm guessing USATF will choose another locale and that certainly seems fair.
I thought the '08 Trials in Eugene were far more enjoyable than Sacramento in '04 or '00. Once you left the track and the nearby brewpub no one gave a rat's ass about the Trials in Sac Town. In Eugene there is great Trials vibe everywhere you go. Weather is much, much better and there is plenty to do: great places to enjoy a few beers, rafting, the ocean, the Cascades, wineries. Every single one of my old track buddies that I saw in Eugene thought it was the best place for the Trials and non of us are from Oregon or the NW.
I understand Eugene is a small town and can't compare to NYC or LA (or countless other cities), but like it or not, our sport is a niche sport and we might as well have our Trials in a community that embraces track & field.
If USATF selects a locale in '16 with miserable weather, I'll pass and watch what I can on-line or on TV.
Ding, Ding, Ding, WINNER.
Having the trials in a community that cares about them is a huge positive in so many ways.
People need to be realistic. It's a small sport, have the trials in a town that really cares about it and makes it great. I understand the downsides and limitations to Eugene...that is why I stopped living there after my 4 years. But it is great to visit for the trials, NCAA's or a big track meet.
Of course we would all like it in our back yard. That is never going to happen.
Max Sigel is planning Drake and Indy, but Sac State or San Diego would be the best place For USA Champs and OTs.
The main thing is pick a place with CHEAP flights from anywhere in the U.S., plus plenty of free parking, reasonably prices hotels and places to eat.
The last thing we want is to pay outrageous air fares, rental car fees, and cab fares to get to small towns.
Remember that these champs MUST be moved around with a 20 year NO-REPEAT rule.
The last thing that Des Moines, Lawrence, Phily, Palo Alto, Boston, etc. needs is another track meet or marathon, since those places are already the key centers of USA T&F activity.
USA T&F must move the Oly Trials, US Mara Champs, Oly Mara Trials, US Outdoor, and US indoors around to different big cities serviced by large airliners.
As stated before a 20 YEAR NO-REPEAT RULE is mandatory.
Boise State had a great NCAA's over a decade ago.
Real Track Poster wrote:
What a bunch of whiners. If you choose to get your ticket at a late date, and want the ultimate convenience of flying into an airport that is 10 minutes from the stadium, you might have to pay over $1,000 for a flight. On the other hand, if you are willing to fly into Portland (100 miles away), you can pay about half as much, get there non-stop, and get down to Eugene with an Amtrak ticket for $40, or rent a car for the day (less than $100). Once in Eugene, you don't need a car, since they have a good public bus system, or you can walk pretty much anywhere in the downtown area. On the other hand, keep on being stupid and keep on whining!
Your option to Eugene is most likely a poor facility in a city where no one gives a damn about t&f. Most places will cost you more for lodging and meals, a that will likely more than offset the extra airfare charges. No, whining is more fun than logic.
What this guy said. You can easily take a bus or train from Portland to get to Eugene. In addition, enough migrant hippies travel between the two cities that you can hitch a ride with them off Craig's List. And Eugene is a city where you don't need a car.
That's total b.s. Eugene has no public bus from/to the airport. You must have a rental car to get from Portland to Eugene and to drive around town. There's no parking for miles around Hayward Field because Nike won't pay for it. Parking structures cost a fortune, more than stadiums, since they have to be built to handle 6000 pound Ford F-350 trucks.
Stanford U
this is going to surprise people when they read this, but a facility that has the capabilities of holding a major meet that is fan friendly and athlete friendly is Kansas State's track.
The track and throws areas are fantastic... It has the ability to pull in about 7,500 in temporary stands with excellent views... the athlete warmup and staging area would take place right next to the track in the indoor football complex. There are direct flights into Manhattan from Chicago, Dallas, and Denver.
The biggest issue is lodging, though.
Stan is kool but Sac St was the best USA/OT I have ever been to. The local Sac residents all knew it was the Olympic trials due to the heavy campaigns and local TV coverage. The weather was great. Plenty of affordable hotel rooms, places to eat, water sports, river sports, and of course, track and field.
What all of you keep forgetting (or are ignorant to) is that the Trials will go only to a location that is willing to pay for the Rights. Most of the places mentioned, won't or can't find the money to even make a legit bid. From what I've witnessed Eugene and Des Moines appear to be the only viable locations. Why won't the other locations pay for the Rights? Well, frankly when you are dealing with a niche sport, sponsors do not easily come forward and costs of putting on the meet are horrendous. I've seen USATF's books, and know that Sacramento didn't make anything when they held the Trials in '00 and '04. Eugene has subidized the '08 and '12 Trials, but likely won't want to do so again, at least not without a break. Someone else needs to step up to the plate. It isn't an issue of where WE want the Trials to be held, it is an issue of WHO is willing to take a big loss out of support for our niche sport.