SRG Partnership designed the cutting-edge stadium and track at Hayward Field for University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon.

Envisioned as the “finest track and field facility in the world,” the reimagined Hayward Field is designed to give University of Oregon’s championship caliber student athletes, and athletes from around the world, an unparalleled stage on which to push the limits of what is possible. A true theater for track, Hayward Field sets a new standard for fan experience and connection to the sport with comfortable seating for every single patron, a diversity of in-stadium food and beverage amenities, great sight lines and close proximity to the athletes and the action.

The 12,650 seats stadium (expandable to nearly 25,000 seats) provides world-class facilities for the UO’s track and field student-athletes to train, develop, and perform at their highest potential. All aspects of the stadium beyond the competitive track were envisioned to be used by the athletes for training—from the public concourses and ramps totaling 84,085 square-feet, which are covered in track surfacing, to winding vertical stairs climbing the soaring Hayward tower. Beneath the stadium is nearly 40,000 square feet dedicated to training and recovery, including several amenities for the athletes to be social and come together as a team. Examples of these team amenities beneath the stadium include: an indoor practice area (including a six-lane, 140-meter straightaway and two-story interior space for long jump, triple jump, throws, and pole vault); 100-seat team auditorium; team locker rooms, lounge and shared study spaces; weight training; equipment work-space, offices, storage and check-out; sports medicine and active/passive recovery; hydrotherapy, training and treatment; anti-gravity treadmills; nutrition station; and barber shop.

In addition to the athlete’s experience, the fan experience was paramount to the design. Open sight lines for all and the proximity of the spectators to the athletes—with the first row of seats on the new nine-lane track level—creates a unique intimacy between athletes and fans. The enhanced acoustics of the stadium help build anticipation and amplify the action, creating an immersive sensory experience. Making the stadium unique as a track and field only venue, the seating bowl is asymmetrical to pack the most fans near the finish line of competition. Unlike typical suites that are in lofty boxes above the stands, Hayward’s premium suites are open and close to the field, directly connecting fans to the action.

When first conceptualizing the new Hayward Field, the design team came across the quote by Bill Bowerman, “Oregon is Wood and Wood is Oregon.” The quote inspired the heroic wood canopy structure and other wood elements throughout the stadium. The soaring canopy structure, or “bents,” surrounding the stadium are a powerful connection to Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. At the same time, this heroic scale structure is a physical representation of the most important aspect of the University of Oregon brand – innovation. Paired with the light, airy, translucent ETFE canopy roof, this environment enhances acoustics and provides rain protection and shade for the fans below.

The 9-story Hayward Tower marks the main public entry and serves as a campus and community-wide landmark for this historic site. The interior includes coaches’ amenities, offices and meeting rooms and the open upper deck will be made public for all Hayward visitors to enjoy the 360-degree view of Eugene and the surrounding valley.

Design: SRG Partnership
Contractor: Hoffman Construction Company
Photography: Kevin Scott