Colleges in the United States have some of the best indoor and outdoor tracks in the world. These stadiums hold some of the biggest track meets in the world! Here's a look at the top ten Division I outdoor tracks in the country:
1. University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon is well-known as Tracktown USA causing the University of Oregon to hold some of the biggest track meets in the world. This track is named after Bill Hayward, the first coach at the University of Oregon which created the legacy that they have today.
2. University of Texas
The University of Texas, Austin track opened in 1999 and holds 20,000 fans to be able to come and watch these amazing athletes. The University holds many NCAA meets, the Texas Relays, and the Big 12 Conference Meet. The straightaways are 82 meters while the curves are 118 meters in length which creates a longer and smoother curve than the average track. This smoother curve has given the track the reputation that it is one of the fastest tracks in the United States.
3. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania officially opened in 1895 during the first annual “Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Relay” races which are now famously known as “The Penn Relays.” This stadium holds 70,000 fans and has accommodations for every track event.
4. Drake University
In 2005, Drake University completely renovated its track to make it one of the best track and field stadiums in the country. The stadium holds 14,557 as it is the home of the football, soccer, and track team. They hold the famous Drake Relays here every year. This stadium consists of permanent lights, a video scoreboard, a state-of-the-art grass infield turf, and concessions along with a press box.
5. University of Florida
The University of Florida track & field stadium holds 4,000 people in addition to increased bleacher seating for special events. It was named after former head coach, Percy Beard, who is a world record-holder and Olympian in the high hurdles. In honor of him, the track was installed in 1985 but when it was updated in 2006 the University added an extra 30 ft of track space in the southwest corner so that it gives the stadium the ability to host big events.
6. University of Arkansas
John McDonnell Stadium at the University of Arkansas was named after legendary head coach John McDonnell who is the winner of 42 NCAA national championships. This stadium consists of a nine-lane track and a grass infield as well as a full hammer cage that allows throwers to practice. It also provides pole vault and jumping pits with two sets of runways for multiple events. The stadium currently holds 7,000 people but they are looking to do more renovation to be able to get the capacity up to 10,000.
7. USC
The Allyson Felix Track at the University of Southern California is an eight-lane track that opened in 2001 and holds 3,000 people. It consists of a turf field, jumping pits, and throwing cages so all events have a place to train.
8. University of Kansas
Rock Chalk Park was built in 2014 and has a world-class running surface giving Kansas University the ability to host several national meets throughout the near. The NCAA West Preliminary meet and the 1027 USA Track & Field Junior Championships were both hosted at the University of Kansas. The stadium holds 7,543 people with the track being 86,406 sq. ft.
9. Baylor University
The Clyde Hart Track and Field Stadium is named after Hart, a Baylor University graduate who served 42 years as Baylor's head track and field coach before retiring in 2005 to become the director of track and field. The stadium holds up to 5,000 spectators with more seating on the front and back stretches of the track for athletes.
10. Bucknell University
Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium at Bucknell University was dedicated in 1924 to the men and women who served in the United States in times of war. The track holds 13,100 people and consists of an all-weather track, a scoreboard, concessions, a turf field, and many different jumping pits and cages for throwers to practice in.
