Out with the Old and in with the New

The new Hayward Field under construction, November 24, 2019 (photos by me)

Today’s edition of The Register-Guard featured two front-page articles about the billions of dollars invested in new construction on the University of Oregon campus during the past decade. As the paper reported, the construction boom continues, with major projects including the Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, new residence halls, a new classroom building, and development of the former Romania Chevrolet dealership site either already under way or in the works. All are contributing toward a reimagining of the University as it differentiates and positions itself within an increasingly competitive higher education landscape. 

Among these new projects, the new Hayward Field project certainly stands out. Referred to disingenuously by the University as a “renovation,” its sole claim to the legacy of historic Hayward Field is the ground it has risen from, hallowed ground though it is. The design—by the SRG Partnership—is even more jaw-dropping in person than it was in renderings. There’s no doubt it will be among the finest track & field venues in the world upon its completion next spring and further cement Eugene’s reputation as “Track Town USA.” I’m looking forward to experiencing a meet there once it opens. 

Something I’ve never understood about the design of the new Hayward Field is how the seating capacity can be expanded from 12,650 permanent seats to “nearly 25,000” as the University’s fact sheet claims. The figure of 12,650 permanent seats seems low given the immense proportions of the facility. Will the permanent configuration appear incomplete? Also, how much shade from the sun and shelter from rain will the roof provide? Can the new design come close to replicating the unmatched atmosphere the old East Grandstand provided? 

View outside the southeast corner from Agate Street.

The new Hayward Field will remind very few of its historic predecessor, and that’s fine. It couldn’t be more different. Its striking appearance is consistent with a brand the “University of Nike” and, by way of association, the City of Eugene are happy to promote: flashy, futuristic, and forward-thinking. Time will tell whether this branding wears well. 

If I had not lived in Eugene and witnessed the new construction at the University of Oregon in real time, I wonder if I would be awed upon seeing all the new architecture at once or wistful for the campus I knew as a student during the early 1980s. I suspect I would experience both emotions. Oregon is my alma mater and holds my unwavering reverence. My hope is it will retain the physical qualities and charm that made it unique, and not become unrecognizable as the current and future waves of new work redefine the campus fabric.