TrackTown12 - TrackTown USA | Host for the 2012 Olympic Trials

Posts tagged TrackTown12

TrackTown12 Photo Tribute

The London Olympics are in full swing, which means TrackTown12 was finishing up a month ago. One of our wonderful photographers Dave Thomas, and his team of Alice Thomas, Benjamin Brayfield and Rachelle Hacmac from Maui Total Visual, put together a tribute video of photos that captured the energy and great performances of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field. So in between all the Olympic coverage, check out this video and get inspired for all the great Olympic track and field action to come. Also, stay tuned for more photos and videos of all the great action from TrackTown12!

By Nathan on July 31, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials and tagged London Olympics, TrackTown12, U.S. Olympic Trials-Track and Field.

TrackTown12 Clothing & Materials for Sale!

8 pack of programs $10/set

UPDATE: We are working on a plan for on-line sales — hope to have details finalized in the next few days and we will post information here on the blog when it is ready! Thanks!

The crowds have vacated the stadium. The work crews have taken down every tent. The last of the fork lifts has lifted the last of the pallets.

But TrackTown12 is not quite over.

There are water bottles, jackets, and t-shirts. A few poster and lots of banners and two colors of hats. Lanyards and eight packs of programs and sweatshirts. All are commemorative TrackTown12 materials. All are filled with memories of races watched, implements thrown, Olympic dreams achieved.

And, all are for sale. All are on sale. All are available at great prices. And all are located at the Travel Lane County Adventure Center just north of the Gateway Mall: 3312 Gateway St.,Springfield, OR 97477. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash or check only please. Sorry, no phone orders or mail orders ; must purchase in person at the Adventure Center.

Here are some of the deals (see photos below):

TrackTown Relay sweatshirt: $20 (XS/S only in zip ups)
TrackTown Relay DriFit t-shirts $10
TrackTown Olympics Men’s DriFit shirt $15
Eugene 2012 Sweatshirt $20
Trials Eugene 2012 DriFit t-shirt $10
Hats $10
TrackTown Lanyards $1
TrackTown Tshirts (volunteer green) $10
TrackTown12 jackets (size L only) $30
TrackTown 12 water bottles $2
Daily Program Eight Pack $10
Large Banners $30
Small Banners $20

By Rita on July 7, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials and tagged clothing, TrackTown12, TrackTownUSA, volunteer.

Monday Matters | TrackTown12 New Look and Spectator Information

There are only 17 days before the U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field and we want to make sure that you the spectator are prepared for your time here in Eugene. We have recently updated our Spectator Section of our website with some useful information.

- Get around TrackTown USA with the City of Eugene Map
- Do you know how you are getting to Hayward Field? Here is the Spectator Parking & Shuttle Information, including a Shuttle Map.
- Now that you are at Hayward Field, use the TrackTown12 Map to get yourself around the entire event.
- Before you enter the Festival Gates, here is a list of Prohibited Items that aren’t allowed in.
- Have some free time and want to get a run in. Check out TrackTown’s awesome trails using the TrackTown USA Runner’s Map.
- If you still need tickets, take a look at the Competition Schedule and buy your tickets now!

Continue to check back to TrackTown12.com for updates, including highlights of the Festival and Entertainment lineup.

TrackTown12 New Look
As you can see with the website, TrackTown12 has recently launched it’s new creative look for the U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field. Headed by Creative Director Tyler James from AMH Brands, the new look can be seen on the website, our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter & YouTube) and in different displays around TrackTown USA, including billboards and street banners.

Here are some of the banner’s that are up now!

Example of the billboards put up around TrackTown.

Get ready for the Best Time Ever!

By Nathan on June 4, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Monday Matters and tagged TrackTown USA, TrackTown12, U.S. Olympic Trials-Track and Field.

‘Behind the Scenes (Mic)’ with the Voice of Hayward Field, Paul Swangard.

In order to create the Best Time Ever at TrackTown12, a lot of time and coordination is being spent on the run of show for each day inside Hayward Field. Everything besides the results is carefully planned, including, among many things, the opening ceremonies, award ceremonies, and TrackVision video content. One other key elements for the run of show during the U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field lies with the individuals behind the public address microphone. Luckily for TrackTown USA, we have one of the best around. Paul Swangard, a long-time track and field announcer at Hayward Field, has a growing reputation as one of the premiere announcers in the sport, and for the first time will be one of the lead announcers for the Olympic Trials during TrackTown12.

Swangard grew up in Eugene as a track and field fan. He attended South Eugene High and holds both his Bachelors and MBA degrees from the University of Oregon. When Swangard isn’t behind the mic, he is serving as the the Managing Director of the James H. Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business. We recently caught up with Paul to give us some ‘behind the mic’ insights as he prepares for the Olympic Trials.

A little Swangard History…When was your first Hayward experience and when was your first time behind the mic?
PS: I was born in Eugene in the late 60s and grew up a track fan in TrackTown USA. My parents viewed spring meets at Oregon like a daycare center. We’d be dropped off before the first event and spend the entire day at Hayward Field. I still have a shoebox of autographs from the 1980 Trials and a lot of great childhood memories. After some success sprinting at South Eugene, I was lucky enough to be asked to walk on at Oregon in the mid 80’s but lasted only a season. Later, I transitioned into a career in sports broadcasting and was asked to audition for the Hayward PA job in the early 90’s after Wendy Ray stepped down. It’s hard to believe I’m approaching 20 years in the role but it’s been a great run so far!

What is the Hayward Field experience like from the booth?
PS: It’s controlled chaos in the booth. I’ve always said it is like being a ring master at a circus doing our best to keep the crowd in tune with what is going on and providing perspective on how well the athletes are performing. The sight-lines are good though the television platforms can make announcing the jumps a bit of a challenge. What is great about being in the booth is we are all fans of the sport and are all focused on delivering a great experience for the fans and for the athletes regardless of affiliation.

Looking back to Eugene08, in your opinion, what made it so special?
PS: I think Eugene08 was both a great track and field meet and a great event. That was the difference as the organizers sought to elevate the Trials into a broader entertainment experience. People came to be a part of it with or without a ticket. I think they’ll elevate it again in 2012.

You have announced meets all over the country, how do the other experiences and venues compare to Hayward Field?
PS: Each venue has its own distinct personality. I’m biased to Eugene only because its home and the spectators always seem to be the most educated and understand the role they play in supporting the athletes. The magic of Hayward Field is as much the fans as it is the venue. Still, I’ve enjoyed the chance to announce in other venues and look forward to doing more in the future.

Do you prepare for the Trials differently than any other meet you announce?
PS: I’ll be teaming up with Garry Hill (editor of Track and Field News) to announce the Trials. We’ve now worked several meets together (Pre, USATF Championships, Pac-12 Championships) so I think we have a good chemistry. With two “voices” it allows us to do a lot more homework and we’ll be able to give each event full coverage. In some meets there is almost too much going on to keep track of, but at the Trials all of the athletes deserve to be on stage.

What are you most excited about this year during TrackTown12?
PS: This is actually my first Trials as one of the lead announcers. In 2008, the late Scott Davis (longtime Pre Classic and Mt. Sac Relays announcer) and Garry Hill shared the microphone. I did the opening ceremonies, some interviews on the Festival stage and the hammer events outside the stadium. Turned out I was announcing the men’s hammer at the same time as that legendary Men’s 800m finish. Never heard Hayward Field louder but didn’t actually see the race! This time I get the best of both worlds. I will be in Portland to announce Hammer Time at the Nike campus and then join Garry in calling all the events in the venue. I’m just excited to be able to have a role in staging a great event and being one ingredient to the atmosphere of TrackTown USA.

You may have seen this video before, this time close your eyes and listen to the passion and excitement from Paul Swangard!

By Nathan on May 7, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Behind The Scenes and tagged Hayward Field, Paul Swangard, TrackTown12, U.S. Olympic Trials-Track and Field, University of Oregon.

Monday Matters | Follow Your Favorite Athletes

The U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field take a lot of work and preparation for many individuals. As a Local Organizing Committee, we have been working hard for years to make TrackTown12 the Best Meet Ever. The athletes have also been putting in a lot of time, sweat and effort to get themselves ready. For some athletes that means working hard to get a qualifying mark and for those who already have it, it is making sure they are ready, come June 21-July 1, to perform at their best. We want TrackTown12.com to be the website you come to get all your Olympic Trials information, including information about your favorite athletes who will be Eugene this summer.

One way to do this is to check out Oregon Track Club Elite Steeplechaser, Bridget Franek’s weekly blog, ‘Preparing for the Best’ , where she has some some Q&A with athletes who will be coming to Eugene for the Trials.

Recently added to our website is a section giving you the links to your favorite athletes blog, website and social media accounts. Here you can find athletes such as Tyson Gay, Sanya Richards-Ross, Lopez Lomong, Lauren Fleshman, Reese Hoffa, Aretha Thurmond and many more. Head to Athlete Websites for the whole list and sort by event, name, location or club/sponsor.

For a different kind of preparation, be sure to check out the Andrew Wheating and Russell Brown collaboration Behind the Stands to see what two local TrackTown USA athletes do with their spare time.

TrackTown Tuesday

Come out to our next TrackTown Tuesday tomorrow from 7pm-8pm at the Oregon Electric Station. Sponsored by Deschutes Brewery, Dutch Bros. Coffee, Mercedes Benz/Eugene, Dari Mart stores and Lochmead Dairy. “TrackTown Tuesday” is free and open to the public. Come hear from Ashton Eaton and six-time NCAA champion Brianne Theisen, as will 2008 Olympian Andrew Wheating and the Ducks’ Dakotah Keys and Trevor Dunbar. Click here for More Information.

By Nathan on April 30, 2012
This entry is filed under Monday Matters and tagged Andrew Wheating, Aretha Thurmond, Ashton Eaton, Brianne Theisen, Bridget Franek, Lauren Fleshman, Lopez Lomong, Reese Hoffa, Russell Brown, Sanya Richards-Ross, TrackTown12, Tyson Gay, U.S. Olympic Trials-Track and Field.

‘Behind the Scenes Spotlight’ with Sasha Spencer Atwood

Our last few blogs have been centered around one of the most important aspects of TrackTown12 and that is the Athlete Experience. Go back and read The Athlete Experience hits the Road or ‘Preparing for the Best’ Spotlight with Bridget Franek. The majority of our planning and efforts have been going to this, with the hopes that each athlete will have an amazing experience. It comes down to a collaborative effort between the Local Organizing Committee, USATF and the USOC; but today’s spotlight is on one former athlete who is making sure the current athletes will be taken care of at TrackTown12: Sasha Spencer Atwood.

Sasha joined TrackTown USA in October and currently serves as the Project Manager of Marketing & Athlete Services. She returned to Oregon, where she grew up and attended North Salem High, after getting married in May of 2011. Prior to move back to the Northwest, Sasha worked in show business, on the sets of hit movies like The Blind Side and Joyful Noise. Most importantly for the athletes, she spent much of her life in their same shoes. Sasha competed at Georgetown from 1997-2001 and followed that up with an eight-year professional career in the 800 meters, while running for Nike. On February 27th, Sasha and her husband, Luke, welcomed their daughter, Eden, into the world. We caught up with her just a week after Eden’s birth.

How has your time as an athlete influenced your role with athlete services?

Sasha: There are so many details that go into hosting an event like the Trials. At times the logistics of it all can get overwhelming, but when I find myself getting caught up in them I try to step back into my memories of competing at the previous three Olympic Trials. I picture myself and fellow athletes walking into the scenario and key in on the points that were most important to us. I try to use this experience to inform the decisions I make, as well as to give first-hand input on plans being made by other committees.

Other than taking care of little Eden, what is the most important task you are working on?

Sasha: One thing I am finding to be true is that very few of the tasks we are working on are unimportant. Some things may take longer or be more complicated to complete, but because athletes are all so different, you never know what can make or break their experience. We are working really hard to attend to the details so that the athlete experience is seamless and stress-free, even in the little things. The biggest piece on my plate right now at TrackTown12 is finalizing the athlete transportation plans. Getting where they need to go when they need to be there is a huge part of an athlete being able to feel relaxed and prepared to do their best.

At home I am working on figuring how to sleep in only a semi-reclined position with a newborn on my chest. I just can’t bear to put her in the bassinet!

What is the experience you would like the athletes to have when they arrive in TrackTown USA for the Olympic Trials?

Sasha: I want athletes to be able to take for granted that everything is going to run smoothly. As an LOC, I want us to have anticipated the needs and concerns of the athletes and have plans in place to address them before the first competitor touches down. I want them to feel welcome and know how excited we are to have them here in Eugene again. They don’t call this Track Town USA for nothing! I hope that all of our enthusiasm translates into the preparations we make for them and the energy they feel coming from the crowd.

By Nathan on March 6, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Monday Matters and tagged Georgetown, Joyful Noise, Sasha Spencer Atwood, The Blind Side, TrackTown USA, TrackTown12, US Olympic Trials, USATF, USOC.

Attention Athletes: Come to USA Indoor Championships with your Olympic Trials’ Questions

As we are getting closer and closer to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field, we know you, the athletes (and your agents) have many questions. That is why we will be on hand at the USA Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico next weekend from Friday through Sunday. We want to answer any questions and concerns you may have regarding TrackTown12.

We will be located near the packet pick-up in the Albuquerque East Convention Center – Upper Level (San Miguel Room).

We will have information about many the details that fit into the following areas:

- Before Coming to Eugene
- Getting Settled in Eugene
- Preparing to Compete
- Competition Day

We will also have a camera on hand to take your photos for credentials (so you don’t have to worry about sending them in at a later date). We can also answer your questions regarding the Athlete Family Ticket Plan, Credentials and Hammer Time.

We look forward to talking with you and Good Luck at Indoors!

By Nathan on February 16, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials and tagged TrackTown12, US Olympic Trials - Track and Field, USA Indoor Championships.

TrackTown Thursday | Lauren Fleshman wants you to be a dreamer

The Oregon Track Club held its annual dinner this past Tuesday inside the The Club room at Autzen Stadium for its ever-growing membership. About 350 of the club’s 1,800 members were in attendance.

The first part of the program included new president Bill Kelly leading the club updates and Tom Jordan updating the group about the Prefontaine Classic. The second part of the program featured Vin Lananna giving a look into what to expect for 2012 and beyond as TrackTown USA becomes an internationally known track and field venue. Lananna also brought up his Oregon staff and athletes Travis Thompson and English Gardner.

OTC Elite coach Mark Rowland talked about the 2011 accomplishments of his team and highlighted the world-medal winning performances of Jesse Williams, Ashton Eaton and Sally Kipyego (Watch OTC Elite 2011 Highlights).

Tuesday’s keynote speaker was OTC Elite athlete Lauren Fleshman and her motivating message was for everyone be a dreamer. Fleshman, who resides in Eugene with her triathlete husband Jesse Thomas, said she has been a lifelong dreamer and without it, she wouldn’t not be where she is today.

“When you’re a dreamer, heart break and failure come with the territory,” said Fleshman. “But I can definitely tell you it is still worth it, because it is a way of living that is that is both moving and memorable.”

Watch her whole speech below.

For Lauren’s endeavors outside of running, check out the following links. Picky Bars | Believe I am | Ask Lauren Fleshman

Just in case you need more motivation, here are some quotes about being a dreamer.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable” – Christopher Reeve

Be sure to be in the stands to watch many dreams come true as athletes chase after their dreams of being an Olympian during TrackTown12, the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track and Field. Get your Tickets.

To get a sneak peek of your favorite athletes competing this weekend, check out the Millrose Games, with headliners like LaShawn Merritt; the Flotrack Husky Classic, with Ashton Eaton and many other Pacific Northwest stars in attendance; and the USATF Classic in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with the likes of Galen Rupp and Jill Camerena-Williams highlighting the field.

By Nathan on February 9, 2012
This entry is filed under TrackTown Thursday and tagged Lauren Fleshman, Mark Rowland, Oregon Track Club, Prefontaine Classic, TrackTown12, Vin Lananna.

TrackTown Thursday | Planning & Collaborating to create the Best:Meet:Ever

It was a busy day on Tuesday, January 17th in TrackTown USA, as approximately 80 members of the Local Organizing Committee came together at the The Club in Autzen Stadium for a full day of planning and collaborating for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track and Field.

The focus of this specific Off-Site planning event (more are scheduled in the upcoming months) was focused around the event footprint, or the “Super Block” that encompasses Hayward Field and the adjacent fan experience. Several of the 18 committees presented information about how they will fit into the Super Block in order to create the best possible experience for all constituents: athletes, media, workforce and spectators. There was also an in-depth presentation given on the TrackTown12 Volunteer Experience.

USA Track and Field and the United States Olympic Committee each had representation on Tuesday as well, and provided the LOC with pivotal information.

During the lunch hour, a press conference was held featuring Co-Chair Vin Lananna and USOC’s Director of Business Development, Chester Wheeler. They discussed the Trials being held in Eugene and elements fans can expect to see both inside and outside the stadium. If you’ve got 20 minutes, you can watch the full conference in the video below.

For more coverage on this action packed day, check out the different links for local media:

KMTR-TV - U.S. Olympic Committee visits Eugene for TrackTown12 planning

KVAL-TV - TrackTown12: Road to London goes through Eugene

KEZI-TV - 2012 U.S. Track and Field Trials Will Have London Theme

KLCC - Planning for Eugene Track and Field Trials Moves into High Gear

Still need Tickets? All-Session tickets are still available, but hurry they are going fast! Click here to get yours!

Want to Volunteer during TrackTown12? Go sign up here.

By Nathan on January 19, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials and tagged Chester Wheeler, TrackTown12, US Olympic Trials - Track and Field, USATF, USOC, Vin Lananna.

TrackTown Thursday | 12 Days of TrackTown

On the 12^th Day of TrackTown, My True Love Gave to Me:

12 Olympic Medals – (Well actually 13) By 10 former Oregon Track and Field Athletes. Watch the video of Joaquim Cruz’s gold medal 800-meter race in the 1984 Olympics.

11 NCAA Championships – Hosted at Hayward Field (’62, ’64, ’72, ’78, ’84, ’88, ’91, ’96, 2001, 2010 & scheduled to host in 2013).

10 Dec Events – 2012 will be the 100^th year of the modern decathlon. The two-day contest will also kick-off the Olympic Trials.

9 Days of Running…………and Jumping……….and Throwing at TrackTown12. Starting with Hammer time on June 21^st and ending July 1 with the Men’s 200m Final.

8 Lanes on the Track.

7 -9 and 1/4 – Oregon Track Club Elite Athlete Jesse Williams’ Personal Best and Hayward Field Record. Set at the 2011 USA Championships in TrackTown.

6 Outdoor Titles - The UO Men have five and the UO Women have one. Also, the men have one indoor and six cross country titles, while the women have two of each.

5 OLYMPIC RINGS – And the number of Olympic Trials hosted in TrackTown (1972, 1976, 1980, 2008, 2012).

Sub 4 Minute Miles – The Pre Classic has seen more Sub 4 minute Miles than any other American invitational track meet. Click Here to see the full list.

3 Coach Bills (Hayward, Bowerman, Dellinger).