What venue is the greatest of all time (GOAT) in outdoor track and field? That's what we asked on and and there were hundreds of responses.
I read what fans and athletes from around the country said to figure out the best. Here are the GOAT venues in outdoor track and field, according to you:
Hayward Field | Eugene, Oregon
Hayward Field was by far the most popular choice for the GOAT track and field venue with more than 85 responses name-dropping Oregon's home track. Hayward has a storied history and its renovations in 2020 have only enhanced the track. The venue has hosted world championships, Olympic Trails and eight of the last 11 NCAA Division I outdoor championships.
there’s literally one answer to this lol
— Evan (@evanmafilas1)
Many agreed that the atmosphere at Hayward Field is unmatched. However, there was also mention of Oregon's weather and how the possibility of rain and/or wind can take away from athletes' top performances, especially at championships.
The official would disagree with that.
Nonetheless, the place called Tracktown, USA is deserving of its spot in the GOAT venue conversation.
🤔
— University of Oregon (@uoregon)
VENUE HISTORY: These historic moments all happened at Hayward Field
Mike A. Myers Stadium | Austin, Texas
Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin finished second among responses.
Austin, TX. Argue with ya momma not me🤝 Hot track with Fast times!🔥
— Wil London III (@Wil_WL3)
Texas hosted the 2019 Division I outdoor championships where many records were broken. That combination of fast times and great weather is why Mike A. Myers Stadium should be the GOAT, according to many.
Texas did get a bit of home-tweet bias with the official Longhorn Twitter account retweeting the post. Current Texas star Jonathan Jones also chimed in.
AUSTIN TX
— Jonathan Jones,OLY (@Imthatjones4L)
THE TRACK PICTURED 🤘
— Texas T&F/XC (@TexasTFXC)
Plus, when you have athletes from in-state rivals like Texas A&M assigning your field GOAT status, it should be in the conversation.
Austin
— Syaira Monèt🌹 (@SyairaR)
💨: Wind and scoring in track and field, explained
Franklin Field | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The City of Brotherly Love is home to Franklin Field, which is home to the historic Penn Relays. In its early days, Franklin Field's Penn Relays were used to determine the national champion among collegiate programs. With over 125 years of track and field history, Franklin Field is deserving of GOAT status. Franklin Field got 18 mentions under our post. The downside to Franklin Field? — the traffic to get there and the parking.
No disrespect to other venues that may be ‘prettier’, but Franklin Field & the Penn Relays cannot be matched in history or crowds since 1895! 40,000 on their feet screaming during the DMR, 4x800 or 4x100...
— Great Valley Track & Field Boosters (@GV_Track_Field)
BOWERMAN: Complete history of the track and field honor
Drake Stadium | Des Moines, Iowa
There's a blue track that always draws national attention at Drake Stadium. The venue hosts the Drake Relays every year, one of the premier events in track and field. Drake Stadium received around 13 votes as the GOAT venue, the last venue to receive more than 10.
No question….The iconic Blue Oval ! Come experience the magic of sold out crowds, in a thriving city, as you watch the best of the best complete.
— Dr. Megan Armbruster Franklin (@ADMeganFranklin)
Drake Stadium
— William (Coach Corey) Muhammad (@impactt1life)
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Bernie Moore Stadium | Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Bernie Moore Stadium at LSU is an underrated track and field venue, with commenters loving the surface. Likewise, Baton Rouge often provides good weather and temperatures for athletes on the track. While Bernie Moore Stadium might not have the history or championship pedigree of some of the aforementioned venues, it still is a riser in the GOAT conversation.
LSU ‼️
— Aura man (INTL) (@noahwilliams24)
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John McDonnell Field | Fayetteville, Arkansas
John McDonnell Field, home of the Arkansas Razorbacks, is in the conversation for GOAT venue for the same reason that the Razorbacks are in the conversation for the GOAT program. Since the Razorbacks have the most track and field championships in Division I history, something must be GOAT-ish about John McDonnell Field.
Fayetteville, AR...the Track Capital of the World! (We're admittedly biased, though...😉)
— McDonnell Hastings Team (@ATXRealtorHH)
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Hilmer Lodge Stadium | Walnut, California
Hilmer Lodge Stadium rounds out the venues to receive more than five votes. The West Coast track hosts the Mt. SAC relays, which are growing by the year. Hilmer Lodge Stadium, renovated in 2020, has potential to climb the GOAT ladder.
Mt Sac!
— Pip (@peopip)
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Other venues with multiple mentions:
- North Carolina A&T (3)
- Florida (2)
- North Florida (2)
- Penn State (2)
- Texas A&M (2)
- Utah Valley (2)
Venues with one mention
- Arcadia
- Bryant
- Bucknell
- BYU indoor track
- Boston U indoor track
- Minnesota indoor track
- Mount St. Mary's
- NC State
- Ohio State
- Oral Roberts
- San Diego State
- VMI
- Washington State
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NCAA or its member institutions.
