Indoor track and field is an extremely underrated sport, as there are usually around 13 to 20 different events competed in every meet within one facility. The unique aspect of indoor tracks, including 200-meter laps, banked curves, and runners competing in the same space as throwers and jumpers makes the world of indoor track unmatched. Here is our list of the top 10 college indoor track facilities in the NCAA:
1. Clemson University
The Clemson University track & field facility opened in December of 2003 and has eight lanes for the straight-away. Then it has a six-lane 200m track with an infield that features one high jump apron, two pole vault runaways, and two long and triple jump runaways. A permanent throwing cage is located outside of the track for the weight throw and shot put. This facility holds 1800 spectators with restrooms and concessions.
2. Texas A&M University
The Texas A&M University track has just opened for the 2024 indoor season and is designed to host many different conferences and national meets. The facility holds 4,000 spectators and is a six-lane 200m track. The surface is banked at 12 degrees allowing runners to feel faster on the track while also consisting of eight sprint lanes, a pole vault runway, and two triple-jump runways with sand pits.
3. Birmingham-Southern College
The Birmingham-Southern College track facility features a 200m banked track. It consists of an eight-lane sprint track and a four-lane warm-up track. There is also an area for shot put, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, and high jump to compete.
4. University of North Carolina
The Eddie Smith Field House at the University of North Carolina consists of a six-lane, 200-meter track that was recently renovated in early 2023. This new facility allows the Tar Heels to host many indoor track meets that they weren't able to prior to the renovation.
5. Liberty University
The Liberty University indoor track facility opened in 2017 and fits 1500 spectators. It is a six-lane, 200m, banked track that includes room for all six field events. It also has a second floor for athletes to hang out in before their event with an eight-lane warm-up track. The complex has the ability to hold 5,000 spectators and 2500 athletes.
6. University of Arkansas
The Randal Tyson Track Center at the University of Arkansas first opened in 2000 and is a 200-meter track and is banked 60 degrees. It also includes jumping runaways and pits for the jumpers to be able to perform at their best. With all of the big-name events that are held in the facility, they added a new custom video scoreboard, press box, announcers, and a media room. The Tyson Track Center is widely considered the fastest indoor track surface ever created, as 65% of current NCAA championship meet records were recorded there.
7. Virginia Tech University
The Rector Field House at Virginia Tech University was built in 1971 and consists of a 200-meter banked indoor track. The field house is named after alumni Charles Rector as he is known as Virginia Tech's most loyal and staunchest support.
8. University of Notre Dame
The Loftus Center features a 100-yard turf field with end zones surrounded by a six-lane track. It is ⅕ of a mile long making it the largest track in the indoor track nation. This provides runners with great conditions as there were many records set there. The University of Notre Dame is known for having one of the best indoor tracks in the world.
9. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan track is a 200-meter banked track but surrounding it is a three-lane 300-meter practice track. The infield of the track features four jump runways a shot put spectator, and an amazing throws area on the facility's south end. It can hold up to 3500 spectators for major events as fans will also be able to follow the meet on the large video board on the wall.
10. University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico indoor track is a 200-meter track that is banked 60 degrees. It has 60-meter straightaways running the entire length of the facility and includes jumping runways and pits.
Image Credit: Michigan Athletics, Arkansas Razorbacks, Virginia Tech Athletics, Clemson Tigers
