This has already been said several times, but track has to be one of the more relatable sports out there.
Almost everyone has ran at some level at some point.
A ton of people have actually competed in track and field in high school.
(also admit that this is likely a troll but worth discussion anyways)
~
I'm not sure exactly what track needs, but I do believe it has the potential to be a great spectator sport. We recently had a great HS Boys and Girls invitational mile (Mason Invitational near Cincinnati, OH: 6 girls went under 5:00 for the mile, Dustin Horter went 4:04) and it was pretty incredible. A ton of people who had never been to a track meet before in their life (largely high school kids) were in attendance. The entire place was going nuts (mostly for Horter's sub-4 attempt).
Here's 4 things I think might make track a better spectator sport:
1.) More big meets in more big market areas. Not just in the usual East Coast and West Coast spots. I'm thinking Chicago, Nashville, Las Vegas, etc.
2.) A running/jogging resurgence like the Bowerman days.
3.) Headlines. Probably this more than anything. Why do I want to watch? Why do I care about Centro vs. Robby Andrews? Or Gatlin vs. Coleman? Chilemo vs. Ches? Martinez vs. Simpson? Quigly vs. Freirchs vs. Coburn? etc. Or, NOP vs. OTC?
We need rivalries and more reasons to watch. We need big titles on the line (and maybe some big purses for the winners). Maybe we need to change the game with more team meets (idk).
4.) Beer.