There are many iconic football and baseball stadiums in the United States. For track and field there is only one, and that's Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on the University of Oregon campus. Eugene is known as "Track Town U.S.A." and that's largely due to what's happened at Hayward for nearly a century. It's a must-see for anyone who's run a race, tried the long jump, or heard of Steve Prefontaine.
Hayward Field parking
Hayward was built just after World War I, when there weren't many cars and big parking lots were unheard of. It's in a family-friendly and university neighborhood, and as a result street parking is extremely limited and regulated, especially during meets. Fortunately, during major events the University opens the parking lots at Autzen Stadium, the football facility across the Willamette river, and shuttles run regularly to Hayward.
Hotels near Hayward Field
There are several hotels and motels along Franklin Boulevard near Hayward Field. The biggest hotel around is the Eugene Hilton in downtown Eugene but within a long walk of Hayward. There are also several newer hotels in the Gateway area of Springfield.
Seating at Hayward Field
First and most important, seating anywhere is extremely tight and there are no seatbacks, like the classic old stadium that it is. If you're going to be there for many hours, it's extremely advisable to bring one of the allowable little no-back seat cushions. For major events like the annual Prefontaine Classic, the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials and the NCAA Championships, the place is often filled at 10,500. For the biggest meets, extra stands are built to increase capacity, but those are temporary and only open during peak times. The west grandstand is on the start/finish line and closest to most field events. The east side seats are perfectly acceptable most of the time, but when the sun slams down it can make things uncomfortable and events hard to see. If you are a pole vault fan the east side is the place to go, otherwise most field events are on the west side.
Food at Hayward Field
Because Hayward Field is such a mecca for the events and the athletes on the track, there's no reason to have gourmet food choices in the stands. And there aren't. For regular Oregon track meets, the choices are very limited- hot dogs, popcorn, soda, chips and the like. There's a slightly bigger selection for bigger events, but don't count on fine dining.
Beer at Hayward Field
Alcohol sales at Hayward are also extremely limited. As an on-campus facility beer sales are heavily regulated and not allowed in the stands. Beer and any alcohol are only allowed to be bought and consumed in designated areas, and even then it depends on the event as to whether any of that happens. I wouldn't go looking for beer if you're at Hayward for the Oregon high school state championships, for instance. Alcohol is not why anybody goes to Hayward.
Parking alternatives at Hayward Field
As explained above, parking around Hayward for any length of time during an event is really tough. Parking at Autzen Stadium and taking the shuttles is highly recommended. Because Eugene is a bike-friendly town and the stadium is on campus, there is plenty of bike parking if you want to go that way. Also because it's on campus, normal bus service and other public transit go very close very often. If there's any way to avoid driving there for an event, take that option.
What to bring to Hayward Field
Weather varies from day-to-day, hour-to-hour and sometimes minute-to-minute at Hayward. Umbrellas are not allowed inside at all, so if skies are threatening (and because it's Oregon, even if they're not) bring rain gear and at least one warm jacket or sweatshirt. Even on sunny days if the wind picks up at all it can be chilly, especially if you're underneath the West or East grandstands. Small backpacks and bags are allowed, but dimensions are very restricted. The usual stadium restrictions- no glass bottles or metal containers of any kind- also apply.
Insider tip for Hayward Field
Instead of going to a major event, make a pilgrimage to Hayward during one of the lower-attended (but still high-quality) college meets early in the season, or even the high school state championships. The smaller events are much more reasonably priced and you feel much more hard-core and part of the in crowd. The weather is highly variable throughout the season, if you remember the downpours that soaked the 2012 Olympic Trials in late June and early July. I've also seen it go from rain to hail to completely sunny in a matter of minutes. But that's just part of the experience in Track Town, U.S.A.
Author's bio: Alex Drude lived in Oregon for many years and always enjoys going to Hayward, even when it's hailing. Follow his sports and travel musings on Twitter @Alex_Drude and on Facebook.