Hayward Field – design description

The brand new Hayward Field is advertised as the very best athletics stadium ever built by University of Oregon. It's expected to not only offer the best possible conditions to athletes, but also give the fans as comfortable experience as possible. The front row will be placed just beside the running track, while all seats should be really wide at 60cm (24 inches).

Its modernity should be emphasised by green approach to building materials and sustainability. As an example, the roof structure will be supported by thick wooden ribs, representing the most symbolic material of Oregon. In order to maximise daylight use and make the stadium feel airy, facades and roof will be covered with transparent skin. This way proper acoustics should also be secured and, at the same time, fans should have a great view of the stadium's surroundings from the elevated public concourse.

On a daily basis the stadium will hold just under 13,000 people, however on key event days it's expected to grow to 30,000. The only part left almost entirely open is the north-west, where the stadium's main gate will be located, just like at the old Hayward Field.

This time the gate will be decorated by a pond and 9-storey-tall tower, intentionally shaped like an Olympic torch. The tower will be named after Bill Bowerman, UO's legend who coached 31 Olympians in his career.