Invitation

Final Rendering - July 2012

Note: Scroll to bottom for video highlighting Phase I completion

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Just under one year after officially breaking ground on the project, the Oregon State community is proudly invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Whyte Track and Field Center on Friday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m.

The ribbon cutting, which is open to the public, signifies the completion of the first phase of a three-part project to rebuild the OSU track and field program that was reintroduced in 2005 after nearly a 17-year hiatus. Those wishing to join the celebration must register through the Beaver Athletic Student Fund by visiting ourbeavernation.com/events or by calling 541-737-2370. Registration is required.

"There have been some great moments since I've been at Oregon State, but there's not going to be anything bigger than this," Head Coach Kelly Sullivan said. "For the entire program, this one shines above all the others and I truly believe that the next step is even more exciting because we've completed this step. And we want to share it with everybody because this is bigger than just having a facility for Oregon State track and field. This is about the campus, the community of Corvallis and Philomath and the state of Oregon."

The event will begin with an opening ceremony at 3 p.m., followed by the first lap and ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. and a reception immediately to follow. Among the many former Beaver track standouts expected to be in attendance include Olympic gold medalist Dick Fosbury, former coaches Berny Wagner, Sam Bell, Chuck McNeil, Steve Simmons and Pat Ingram, and the project's lead benefactor and former student-athlete Jim Whyte.

The state-of-art facility will serve as an impressive landmark for those entering campus from the south. Phase I of the track and field project includes an IAAF certified Olympic-caliber polyurethane surface, nine-lane track with one meter safety zone on the outer perimeter, steeplechase on the interior apex of the turn, dual high jump aprons, dual long jump/triple jump runways with oppositional pits, dual pole vault runways with oppositional plant boxes, dual shot put throw sectors, dual discus rings, oppositional east/west javelin runways, FieldTurf synthetic turf infield, NCAA and high school track markings and Oregon State graphics.

The Whyte Track and Field Center entrance is located east of the 26th and Western intersection, between the Hilton Garden Inn and the OSU Softball Complex. Parking will be available in the track parking lot and Reser Stadium lot directly across the street.