The stadium appears largely empty for all current (and future) events because it was built to an excessive size for a one-time world championships. That was a very costly decision in more ways than one.
I feel like it wasn't that long ago that Hayward meets were a big deal that drew crowds. Is it because of the new stadium? Did Eugene suddenly become a sh!thole out of nowhere?
I agree, something weird here. It is tracktown, I get that whole country isn't flying there, but how about a few thousand waking to the corner to see nationals and the biggest meet our country has?
I feel like it wasn't that long ago that Hayward meets were a big deal that drew crowds. Is it because of the new stadium? Did Eugene suddenly become a sh!thole out of nowhere?
I agree, something weird here. It is tracktown, I get that whole country isn't flying there, but how about a few thousand waking to the corner to see nationals and the biggest meet our country has?
I heard you can't get a ticket from a window at the stadium. You have to go online. Probably turns off the old people who may want to go spontaneously.
Small factor but the new stadium wasn't designed well for function. Looks nice, but no protection from rain or sun.
Hayward Field is the worst designed and architechted stadium in North America.
Men's Toilet has long lines even with light attendance.
No underground utility levels for Big Rig Media Retal Trilers.
No underground parking.
No Food Production (they use UO Food Services 2 blocks away and drag carts on the open streets to Hayward Field, a food safety violation)
Coorridors are crowded with small attendance.
Long lines for a men's toilet? Uh no, I was at Hayward Field the last 3 nights and didn't see a single bathroom line.
No underground parking? Why would you even want that? I got to the meet an hour after it started and found easy street parking nearby for just $3 at the parking meter.
Corridors are too crowded? What are you smoking? There were fans in the corridors, but not even close to overly crowded.
Food production off-site? Whatever. You really have some kind of axe to grind.
Based on your forum name, I'd guess you own a home near Hayward Field and don't like track fans parking in your neighborhood.
Hayward Field is the worst designed and architechted stadium in North America.
Men's Toilet has long lines even with light attendance.
No underground utility levels for Big Rig Media Retal Trilers.
No underground parking.
No Food Production (they use UO Food Services 2 blocks away and drag carts on the open streets to Hayward Field, a food safety violation)
Coorridors are crowded with small attendance.
But Uncle Phil saved a few dollars on stadium design and got the World Champs in his backyard before he croaked and that's all that matters.
The new Hayward Olympic Stadium is near the Prefontaine rock where doubtless many more flowers and gifts than usual adorn the object that slew the 2000m and 3-mile American record holder.
Mt Sac is out in the boonies. It's not on the negotiated Hollywood Pay Schedules where TV has to pay MLB, NFL, and NBA rookies just drafted out of college $1,000,000 year. Mt Sac has it's own Southwest Airlines airport with no traffic in between. Mt Sac has normally priced hotels for a suburbs. Mt Sac is an alternative to think about.
It was a Thursday night. Unless people are purposely taking a long weekend to watch the 5 day meet, I expected the Thursday attendance to be low. I think more people will show up for tonight.
Oregonians don't go to track meets in the Summer. They go camping, fishing, hiking, climbing, rafting. The mountains, the coast. This is nothing new.
Marty Liquori was right. Eugene is the Track Capitol of Lane County.
USATF should base their decisions on what the athletes and coaches want. For all of the belly aching on here about Eugene and attendance, what do the athletes want as far as facilities? There is no stadium like Hayward anywhere in the US. The question is, why has attendance dipped with the new stadium? Are the prices too high? Is it like MLB, NASCAR, movies, etc. that have declined?
The meet has been great so far. I’ve walked away from the first three days pleased with the performances and entertainment value. Once Saturday got rolling, it was non stop action. Today will be even better.
If the locals do not come out for this year’s Pre and support a DL two day event, then the moniker of “Track Town USA” should be forgotten, but again, no other city in the US has these facilities for athletics.