hayward field

university of oregon - eugene, oregon project completion 2021 performance global movement

With the client’s primary goal to be the “finest track and field facility in the world,” Hayward Field is designed to give University of Oregon’s student athletes, and athletes from around the world, an unparalleled stage on which to push the limits of what is possible.

The project focuses in creating a space that evokes speed and movement for the athletes, and energy and intimacy around the entire track for spectators with a landmark for all to see.

The open and airy structure holds 12,650 fans and expandable to 25,000 for any large event as most recently reflected with the World Outdoor Championships in 2022.

With the first row of seats on the new nine-lane track level, an intimacy between athletes and fans is created. Unique to a Track and Field only venue, the seating bowl is asymmetrical to pack the most fans near the finish line of competition.

All seating is a spacious 22-inches wide, with a generous 44-inch tread depth for fan comfort. Hayward’s suites are open and close to the field, directly connecting fans to the action further emphasizing the intimacy of the stadium.

From public concourses and ramps covered in track surfacing to the winding vertical stairs of Hayward tower, all aspects of the stadium were envisioned to be a place for the athletes to use for training.

Beneath the stadium is nearly 40,000 sf dedicated to training and recovery, including amenities for athletes to be social and come together as a team, a 6 lane 140 meter straightaway and double height space for jump and throw events.

The quote, “Oregon is Wood and Wood is Oregon,” by Coach Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike, was inspiration for it’s use throughout the stadium.

The canopy structure, or “bents,” surrounding the stadium are a connection to Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. The 77 pairs of unique curves and size, paired with the light, airy, translucent ETFE canopy roof, enhances acoustics and provides rain protection and shade for the fans below.

The canopy and tower diagrid orient in the direction of the way the athletes run on the track further emphasizing movement as a theme.

From Coach Bowerman’s sketches and notes translated to a metal mesh skin to cover the underside bowl, to the perforated exterior featuring 5 Oregon track and field icons of the 9 story tower, to a dramatic procession of 156 flags commemorating nations who have competed at Hayward, the stadium inside and out are a fitting nod to the success of athletes that have and will continue to be a special place for aspiring student athletes and athletes around the world.