The World Athletics Championships Oregon22

The City of Eugene in Oregon is excited to host the World Athletics Championships on July 15-24, 2022. It was supposed to be held in 2020, but due to the pandemic, it had to be rescheduled for this year. Eugene was selected because of its nickname “TrackTown USA” known as the running capital of the world for its elite athletes. The city is the birthplace of Nike shoes, apparel and equipment and offers miles of running trails.

Photo Jill Weinlein

The University of Oregon in Eugene, reimagined the state-of-the-art Hayward Field to host the event. To show its international welcome, there are flag poles with 156 flags waving from nations represented in the senior-level competition. Beginning with the flag of the United States of America and followed by the other 155 countries, this stunning display extends along Agate Street to 18th Avenue to the pathway between the square track warm-up area and Jane Sanders Stadium.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Hayward Field will become the first stadium in the United States to ever host the meet at one of the finest running tracks in the world. According to Sarah Massey, CEO of Oregon22, in an interview about 100 Days until Opening Day, “We are now in the final push to the World Athletics Championships, and we cannot wait for the action to begin and to experience history-making moments with fans and participants from across the state, the country, and the globe.”

Photo by Jill Weinlein

To spark more excitement the Museum of World Athletics (MOWA) will officially open their in-person heritage exhibit connected to WCH Oregon22 in Pioneer Place in Portland, OR. The exhibit features a moving visual experience celebrating the sport of track and field and its history. MOWA also has a 3D fully virtual museum of athletics that takes people on an interactive journey through the history of athletics, highlighting legends of the sport including Paavo Nurmi, Jesse Owens, Fanny Blankers-Koen, Irena Szewinska, Carl Lewis, Marie-Jose Perec, Jan Zelezny, Allyson Felix, and Usain Bolt.

“Our team has been working hard to develop plans and programming to make this event the best of all worlds,” said Massey. “From youth engagement to the athlete experience, from in-stadium innovations to digital transformation, we are aiming to be the new blueprint for the hosting of major sports championships in the future.”

20×21 Mural Project

While in Eugene, visitors have a variety of outdoor activities to experience, including the 20×21 EUG Mural Project in preparation for the World Athletics Championships. Street art is displayed throughout the city, along with almost 100 murals by local and international artists.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

In the Broadway Plaza area in “Kesey Square” there is a bronze statue of author Ken Kesey (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) reading to his three grandchildren, Kate Smith, Caleb Kesey and Jordan Smith. Kesey grew up in the area and graduated from The University of Oregon in 1957. This art piece was created by Peter Helzer.

One of the most economical and easiest ways to get to Eugene, Oregon is on Avelo Air. The newer airline purchased reimagined Boeing 737 planes that are more fuel efficient and fly nonstop to Eugene.

Avelo Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said, “Eugene is home to the University of Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State University Beavers are in nearby Corvallis, making Avelo an affordable option for students, faculty and alumni of both schools. The previously unserved route is also a great option for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the rugged Oregon coast and its lighthouses, sand dunes, sea lions and incredible sunsets. And for those considering Southern California for their next getaway, BUR is the ultra-convenient gateway to Greater LA.”

Once you arrive in Eugene, the Hyatt Place Oakway Center is located in Eugene’s premier shopping and dining center with PF Changs, Trader Joe’s, Chicos, Salt & Straw and Cafe Yumm! The reception desk is on the fifth floor next to the Sky Bar offering sweeping views of Eugene. The hotel provides convenience, spacious guest rooms, and a complimentary breakfast in the morning. Take an urban hike on 14 miles of nearby river paths or drive to some of the Willamette Valley wineries or breweries throughout the city of Eugene and Pacific Northwest.

Above Hayward Stadium at the University of Oregon is Hendricks Park, almost 80 acres of forests, native plant gardens and spectacular Rhododendron Garden. In April and May over 1,000 rhododendrons bloom well into June. There are lots of walking and running paths, plus beautiful views of Eugene.

One of Eugene’s most beloved track stars Steve Prefontaine, known as “Pre” has a small memorial at the park. This American long-distance runner competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics, and while running for the Oregon Track Club, Prefontaine set American records at every distance from 2,000 to 10,000 meters. As he was preparing for the 1976 Olympics, he was in a tragic car accident and died at the age of 24. There is a small headstone with his name and photo engraved in Hendricks Park. Local runners leave their track shoes and bibs nearby as a sign of respect.

The countdown begins for the first ever track world event at the University of Oregon in Eugene. Contact Eugene Cascades Coast for additional information to make the most of your trip.