USA Track and Field Olympic Trials Finalist
June 27, 2017 - 04:12 PM
Mt. San Antonio College is one of three finalists to host the USA Track and Field Olympic Trials in 2020.
The bid highlights the college’s long history with track and field. The college has hosted the world renowned Mt. SAC Relays for almost 60 years. The meet welcomes thousands of athletes of all levels, from world record-breaking elite athletes to youths in the community. The college also hosts the Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational, which has grown to be the largest event of its kind in the world over its 70 year history.
“Mt. San Antonio College has hosted world-class events of this caliber for as long as it has existed,” said Dr. Bill Scroggins, college president and CEO. “We would be well qualified to host our nation’s best athletes and showcase the vibrant region.”
Hosting the USA Track and Field Olympic Trials would be a boon for the region’s economy. Travel Lane County estimates the 2016 USA Track and Field Championships resulted in an estimated $37 million economic impact.
“Mt. SAC is a wonderful choice to host the Olympic Trials in 2020. We have five airports that serve our location within a 30-mile radius. Visitors would love our weather and incredible location. Within an hour, they could visit the beach or the mountains, world-famous amusement parks, Downtown Los Angeles, watch Dodgers and Angels baseball, and so much more,” said Doug Todd, director of Mt. SAC track and cross country and special events. “Combine that with an experienced and talented event management team and I think our location is going to be difficult to beat!”
The event would be hosted in Mt. SAC’s new Athletic Complex, which is slated for completion by the end of 2018.
“Mt. SAC is transforming the south of campus into a physical education powerhouse,” said Joe Jennum, director of athletics and dean of kinesiology, athletics and dance division. “We are moving physical education facilities to the south of Temple Avenue, making it easy for our athletes and visitors to come together and celebrate the best of athletics.”
The Athletic Complex, funded by Measure RR, replaces existing facilities that were built in the 1940s. The Athletic Complex will be built on a 32.2-acre site formerly occupied by Hilmer Lodge Stadium. It comprises five athletic fields in addition to a new Field House that includes men’s and women’s locker rooms, offices, restrooms, two weight rooms, two lecture halls, conference/meeting rooms, learning labs, and team/wet rooms. When completed, the facility will feature a 9-lane 400-meter track, a natural turf infield, and a new press box. Four auxiliary buildings will provide ticketing, food service, restrooms, and telecommunications services. Fixed bleachers totaling 10,912 seats will comply with the American Disabilities Act requirements. A bridge over Temple Avenue is also planned to provide pedestrian access to the site from Parking Lot F.
The host city for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Track and Field will be named in mid-July. The awarding of the Olympic Trials is made collaboratively by USA Track and Field and the U.S. Olympic Committee.
