jason williams 55 wrote:
Eugene has some great history and major Nike cash flows, but overall Sacramento is the better venue.
* better weather (hot/dry by day, cool by night)
* bigger crowds (facts don't lie)
* better airport with more direct flights (by far)
* better hotels (by far)
* more to do in both local area and within driving distance (by far)
* better overall city (sacramento is reasonably hip...arguably the "portland of calfornia", eugene is a lousy meth town)
* better local running community via sheer population advantage alone
* no summer allergy issues in sacramento
* sac state has better track (brand new 1.3 mil dollar mondo)
Only thing Eugene wins is history. Sacramento wins everything else. Sacramento has a proven track record and the Trials should return there ASAP.
You're obviously too biased.
Weather - a matter of opinion, but I'd take Eugene's weather any day over Sacramento. Between '08 and '12, with the exception of the rain for ~3-4 days, the Eugene weather was great for T&F. Heck, in '08 when it did get Sacramento-like heat, everyone including the athletes complained.
Crowds - similar numbers, but Eugene fans don't walk out on events; advantage Eugene by a large margin.
Airport - advantage Sac town, but I don't see the big deal of flying into Portland and driving 2 hours.
Hotels - advantage Sac town, but the secret to Eugene if you're staying more than a couple of days is to rent a home. Far better than a hotel in either location. We've found places within 5-8 minute walk of Hayward. It also takes care of any parking issues. For us, Eugene > Sac for accommodations.
Local area - you're too biased; Oregon coast is unbeatable, rafting, vineyards as well, mountains to the east of Eugene.
Better overall city - depends on what you want to do in your down time.
Better running community - who cares; would you rather run in Eugene or Sacramento? Advantage Eugene - more trail options, better running weather.
Allergy issues - advantage Sac, but I have bad allergies and didn't any issues in '08 or '12.
Better track - Hayward Field. Not even close.
Beer selection - Eugene, hands down.
As others have said, Eugene becomes the Trials for 10 days. Everywhere you go you seem to meet up with an old friend or acquaintance. Unless you went to the Hoppy(?) place in Sac town, you'd rarely run into anyone. Depends on your preference, of course, but we had much more fun away from the track in Eugene than we ever did in Sac town.