Constant Pursuit of Excellence
04/17/18 | Track and Field
The University of Oregon today unveiled plans for a track and field stadium worthy of the legacies of Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. Slated to open in 2020, Hayward Field will set a new standard for sports venues, create world-class training and competition facilities for student-athletes, and incorporate new laboratories and research facilities to better understand the potential of human performance.
"When complete, Hayward Field will be nothing less than the finest track and field facility in the world, emblematic of the risk takers and innovators who have made Oregon great," said Michael H. Schill, University of Oregon president and professor of law. "The new design for Hayward Field is awe-inspiring, amazing, and completely in accord with the university's relentless pursuit of excellence in everything that we do."
The project is funded entirely by private donations, led by Phil and Penny Knight and including gifts from more than 50 donors. It will open the same year as the first phase of the nearby Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, a game-changing, 175,000-square-foot research complex that expands the UO's science and innovation capabilities and is made possible by the Knights' $500 million lead gift.
"Phil Knight has long believed the UO can rise to be one of the top universities in the nation, that Oregonians deserve and need the opportunity and benefits that come from a world-class research institution," Schill said. "The best way to thank Phil and Penny is to make that dream a reality. Today is about so much more than announcing designs for a new track and field venue. We are celebrating the latest milestone in the UO's rapid ascent toward achieving our shared aspirations and ambitions, and we celebrate a project that is particularly meaningful to the Knights, to the university, and to the legions of worldwide fans, volunteers, and athletes who declare their home to be Track Town, USA."
"My goal is to see an enduring monument to the ideals of perseverance, innovation and achievement that my coach, mentor and business partner Bill Bowerman instilled in all his athletes. We will honor Bill Hayward's and Bill Bowerman's legendary achievements by creating a magical venue that will remain the heart of the University of Oregon for generations to come."
At a time when public support for higher education continues to erode nationally, the UO is redefining what's possible for public institutions. In addition to support from the Knights, the UO's current $2 billion comprehensive campaign has received multimillion-dollar gifts from major donors for key academic priorities, and across-the-board contributions from nearly 100,000 friends and alumni.
"The incredible momentum from these gifts points the way toward the University of Oregon's very bright future," Schill said. "We are well-positioned to thrive and excel in a world of uncertainty and change."
"As I've said many times, my business life was born on Hayward Field," Phil Knight said, "so this is a deeply personal project for me. My goal is to see an enduring monument to the ideals of perseverance, innovation and achievement that my coach, mentor and business partner Bill Bowerman instilled in all his athletes. We will honor Bill Hayward's and Bill Bowerman's legendary achievements by creating a magical venue that will remain the heart of the University of Oregon for generations to come."
