Source: UA Sports Information
Date Published: 1/4/2008 4:55:07 AM
Last Modified: 1/5/2008 4:55:08 AM
PermaLink: http://haw.gs/n18438

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas’ John McDonnell Field has been named the outdoor track facility of the year by the American Sports Builders Association. The award is given to a facility that has demonstrated excellence in design and construction.

Home to the most successful program in NCAA history, John McDonnell Field has been transformed into one of the top outdoor track and field facilities in the nation. Named for legendary head coach John McDonnell, the winner of 42 NCAA national championships, the facility is one of only two IAAF Class 1 certified track and field complexes in the U.S. and the first such facility on a collegiate campus.

The state-of-the-art competition areas include a nine-lane Mondo track, a grass infield as well as a full hammer cage and multiple throw areas. The pole vault and jumping pits are reversible and contain two sets of runways to accommodate multiple events. Capacity is currently set at 7,000 but has the potential to hold 10,000 with additional construction.

The new John McDonnell Field played host to the 2006 Southeastern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 11-14, 2006. The SEC meet was the first in what promises to be a long line of prominent events slated for the new facility. Future events at the facility will include the annual John McDonnell Invitational, the 2008 NCAA Mideast Regional Championships and the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Razorback track and field will open the 2008 season, January 11, hosting the Arkansas Invitational at the Tyson Track Center.

Related Articles

John McDonnell’s Roster Ready for 2008 Track and Field (1/4)

John McDonnell Invitational Returns to Fayetteville (4/19)

Arkansas Self-Reports NCAA Violations Involving Former Asst Track and Field Coach (1/27)

Arkansas Track Ranks No. 2 in the Trackwire 25 (1/16)

Razorbacks Collect Five NCAA Marks to Open the 2007 Season (1/12)