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Eugene Has Competition for 2020 Olympic Trials Bid

Published by
DyeStat.com   May 16th 2017, 4:18pm
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Three contenders should help drive fan experience in 2020

By Scott Bush, DyeStat Editor

USATF announced three candidates vying to host the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials today, listing Eugene, Oregon, along with Sacramento and Walnut, California as the contenders.

Eugene has hosted the prior three Olympic Trials, serving up memorable events in 2008, 2012 and 2016. On paper, Eugene is once again the favorite. Not only do they have a wealth of experience to pull from, but it might help that Vin Lananna, the leader of Eugene's TrackTown USA is also the USATF President. 

However, Eugene's main advantage should be that the IAAF World Outdoor Championships are set to be hosted in Eugene in 2021, the first time the event has taken place on American soil. Not that Eugene needs it, but building momentum from the Olympic Trials, to the Olympics, to the World Championships is no doubt going to be part of TrackTown USA's pitch. 

The other two candidates, Sacramento and Walnut, both have experience and excitement on their side, too. With Los Angeles angling hard to win the 2024 Olympic bid, building up the fanbase in California is a key to success for track and field at the Olympic Games. Sacramento has hosted a number of Olympic Trials and national championships since the turn of the century and will once again host the USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships this summer. 

For the Walnut organizing committee, aka Mt. SAC, the opportunity to host the 2020 Olympic Trials is an incredible opportunity to showcase its new stadium. Mt. SAC is currently undergoing a massive overhaul, and with the new facility slated to be complete by 2019, 2020 would be the perfect way to re-introduce track and field fans to the home of track and field in southern California. 

As USATF weighs the potential and bids of each city, fans should expect a decision no later than mid-July. Stay tuned.



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