Construction For Hayward Field May Be Pushed Back Beyond '17 Completion Date

Construction costs "may push the renovation" of the Hayward Field project in Eugene, Ore., "beyond a projected" '17 completion date, according to Gene Cherry of REUTERS. TrackTown USA President Vin Lananna and Univ. of Oregon Foundation President & CEO Paul Weinhold said that a decision "will be made in the coming months on a timetable" for the $50-60M privately funded project. Organizers "had hoped to start modernization and expansion of Hayward Field from 10,000 to 30,000 seats in August." Lananna said that he "still expected some portion of the renovation" to start this year. Nike has promised $13.5M for the project, "half of it contingent on matching funds being raised." Weinhold said that he was "confident all funding goals would be met." The venue is slated to host the '21 IAAF World Track & Field Championships (REUTERS, 2/2).