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Hayward Field: Athletes Offer First ImpressionsPublished by
New Stadium 'Felt Like I Was On Stage At A Concert' By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor Here are a variety of first impressions gathered on the first weekend that the new-look Hayward Field hosted a return to collegiate track and field. WATCH MEET VIDEOS ON-DEMAND (RunnerSpace +PLUS required) | RESULTS Conner Mantz, BYU: "This meet was amazing to be at. I would love to have had all the spectators there that would usually be, but getting out on the stadium was unforgettable! The lights, the grandeur of the stadium, and competing with an amazing field led to a spectacular meet. While we didn’t have the same historic feeling that the old Hayward had, it felt like I was a part of something new. The warmup was similar; however, going underneath the stadium before the race was different. It just felt like the meet was an another level of prestige because of the stadium and pre-race area. The sounds that were missed because the crowd was limited was (replaced) to some degree by the grandeur of the stadium, lights, and the new everything." Lindsay McShane, Oregon State: "I really loved competing at the new facility! Specifically, the hammer area was so clean, professional, and had great focal points for the athletes. I also really liked that the fans were able to have a bird's eye view to some degree of the event. It allowed them to see the throw from the ring and where it landed very easily, which was wonderful! They could tell right away if our throws were PRs or better than previous throws. As for inside the dome, I love the aesthetics and VERY MUCH appreciate that all of the seating is padded with backs! There’s no bad or uncomfortable seat in the dome, which will make every fan feel comfortable and valued as a spectator. Overall I was very impressed with the facility."
Brandon Garnica, BYU: “The most unique track I’ve every raced at. It’s an experience I will never forget. I walked out onto the track and it felt like I was on stage at a concert. I could hear everyone in the stands and I can only imagine how loud it will sound when they’re able to fill every seat in that stadium. I look forward to racing there again and I hope others get the opportunity to race there too.” Katie Izzo, Arkansas: "Competing at Hayward Field for the first time was incredible. It was so special to run the first 10k ever at the new Hayward. It has been my dream to run on that track, and the new facility was unreal and breathtaking. All aspects of the new stadium are state-of-the-art, from the comfy cushioned seats to the beautiful tower. I wanted to embrace the Hayward magic during my race and tried to channel Pre’s spirit and just go for it!" Carmela Cardama Baez, Oregon: “I've really been looking forward to this race mainly to have (athletes) coming to Eugene and seeing how excited they are to be here. I feel like this is my home and I’m welcoming everyone to my house to do my favorite things which are running and racing. I love the 10K. Many people think I’m crazy so having two crazy friends (Hannah Reinhardt and Moira O’Shea) with me is really exciting. We want to have as many coming back here for nationals.”
Grace Fetherstonhaugh, Oregon State: “I thought it provided a very exciting atmosphere. The huge, new stadium had a way of making the track feel much smaller and zoomed in. This made it easy to zone in on the competition. I remember competing at the Historic Hayward Field in high school during the Oregon Relays and found it similarly magical. Although it outwardly looked much different than it did before yesterday, it carried the same historic energy and excitement." Austin Tharp, Oregon: “The feeling was unreal. Just walking in with all the officials and other competitors, it felt like Hayward Magic was back. I’m from Eugene and my last home meet was the Oregon Twilight in 2018 so it was really nice to have family watching me compete at Hayward again for the first time in a few years.” More news |
