Top 5, Top 5, Top, 5: The Best Track Facilities in the U.S.
- Dajunonna Mikulin
- Sep 25, 2017
- 3 min read
As athletes, we usually have our favorite place to run or play; the place where we feel the most comfortable performing. It is usually our home track, stadium, field, or arena, but sometimes it is not. Below are five track facilities that I feel are worthy of the top five ranking!
1. Michael Johnson Track - Nike World Headquarters
Though I have never been here, this five lane track has captured the hearts and souls of many. Nestled halfway in the woods full of western conifers, sits this red five lane jewel. The track is completed with a bronze statue of Michael Johnson in his famous gold shoes from the 1996 Olympic games hosted in Atlanta, Georgia. Many athletes use this track to do workouts and Nike also uses it to conduct testing. Just make sure you are wearing Nike if you decide to check this place out! This is a must see on my facilities bucket list!
2. Hayward Field - University of Oregon
One of the worlds most famous track and field facilities, Hayward Field is a must see for all of our trackies! Events that have been hosted by this venue include: NCAA Outdoor Championships, United States Olympic Trials, Prefontaine Classic, United States Championships, and it has also been featured in movies. If you plan on visiting Nike Headquarters, be sure to make the 2 hour drive south to Hayward Field!
3. The Mike A. Myers Stadium - University of Texas at Austin
I missed this location during my recent trip to Austin, TX, but do not worry! I will be back to take in this scene. Mike A. Myers Stadium is home to both UT soccer and UT track and field. The stadium sits across from the Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium (home of the Texas Longhorns football team). The facility is able to hold around 20,000 spectators. The nine-lane track facility also includes a field house which holds locker rooms, a press box, a training room, and a team lounge area.
4. Sheila and Morris Creggor Track - University of South Carolina
Of course I have to show some love to my school! This is one of the two facilities on this list that I have visited. The track is brand new (completed November 2016). The facility is much smaller than the others on the list, seating 500 comfortably. The addition of 1500 portable seats helped them host the SEC Outdoor Championships in 2017. The 9 lane, 400m mondo track spells out fast.
5. SPIRE Institute - Geneva, OH
We're going to switch to an indoor track to wrap up this post! SPIRE Institute (formerly GaREAT) was the location of my first indoor meet. Since my time racing there, the facility has greatly developed and is now a part of a prepatory school. They have also added an outdoor track which I hear is just as phenomenal. The 8 lane 300m Beynon track has hosted events such as: Big Ten Indoor Track & Field Championships, Big East Indoor Track & Field Championships, Horizon League Indoor Track & Field Championships, and NAIA Indoor Championships. SPIRE is also an Official USOC Olympic and Paralympic Training Site.
If you have visited any of the facilities on this list, be sure to drop a comment and let us know your thoughts! As I begin to cross them off my bucket list, I will be sure to update you all.
Sources:
-https://www.outsideonline.com/2010086/best-looking-tracks-us
-http://www.goducks.com/sports/2011/6/21/205174795.aspx
- http://www.texassports.com/sports/2013/7/25/facilities_0725133514.aspx?id=224
- http://www.gamecocksonline.com/facilities/cregger-track-stadium-new.html
-https://www.spireinstitute.org/events/track
Photos:
- http://www.goducks.com/sports/2011/11/1/205325994.aspx
- https://dailytrackpic.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/mike-a-myers-track-soccer-stadium-austin-tx/
- http://www.naia.org/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205390255
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