News & Views
News & Views
March 22, 2008
Less than 100 Days To Go Until Eugene 08
The Local Organizing Committee is completing the final stages of planning in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Team Trials – Track & Field to be held at Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus from June 27- July 6. As the countdown clocks at the Fifth Street Public Market and here on Eugene08.com remind us, there are less than 100 days to go.
What is Eugene 08?
Eugene 08 is a Track Meet.
From June 27 through July 6, 2008, Eugene 08 will host the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track & Field. The nation’s top track and field athletes will compete on the hallowed grounds of historic Hayward Field for a coveted spot on the U.S. Olympic Team at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Eugene 08 is a Festival.
The Eugene 08 Festival will be the focal attraction for spectators, athletes, and members of the community before, during and after each competition session and provides a way for fans without tickets to participate in the event.
Admission to the Eugene 08 Festival is free. Attractions will include:
• Two jumbo video screens with simulcast of the competition.
• An entertainment stage with live entertainment during non-competition hours.
• A sports bar.
• A food court.
• Interactive exhibits by Eugene 08 partners.
• A track & field interactive area for youth and families before, during and after the competition.
• A track clinic for youth and all-comers meets for youth and adults on the non-competition days.
Eugene 08 is Sustainability in Action
Eugene 08 is a community effort to implement sustainable practices in all areas of the promotion and production of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track & Field and the Eugene 08 Festival. Eugene 08 is committed to purchasing “green power” for all electricity needs during the meet and Festival, promoting recycling and composting to work toward a ‘zero waste’ event, and providing opportunities for alternative transportation through shuttle services and bike valet parking within a block of the venue.
Eugene 08 is Accessible to People with Disabilities
Efforts are being made to ensure that events, programs and facilities at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track & Field and the Eugene 08 Festival will be accessible to all people with disabilities and will comply with the ADA.
Eugene 08 is a Community Celebration and a Celebration of Community
Eugene 08 is an unprecedented collaboration of diverse partners—a community network of private, governmental, corporate, and volunteer participants—who have come together to produce the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track & Field and the Eugene 08 Festival. The strengthened relationships created during the planning process will build a better community for the future, and exemplify why Eugene is known around the world as “Track Town USA.”
Eugene 08 is a Collaboration of Partners Financially Supporting the Events
In addition to the commitment of local governments and the University of Oregon, local and national businesses have stepped up to invest significant partnership dollars with the event, and many individuals have donated $10,000 or more to become members of the 100 Meter Club. The LOC has not yet met the total fundraising goal. Community members who would like to be a part of the financial success of the Olympic Trials can visit the Eugene 08 website, click on the Join the Team tab and make a secure on-line donation through the Donate Now button. Donations will ensure that the LOC is able to reach the goal of creating a world class event, which is as sustainable as possible, inclusive of all members of our community, honors the past, and looks to the future.