Running News Daily

The University of Georgia has officially unveiled its new 60 million dollar track and field complex in Athens, marking one of the most significant facility investments in collegiate track and field in recent years.

The 59.8 million dollar project was funded primarily through private gifts and donations to the university’s athletics program, allowing the development to move forward without placing additional financial strain on students or local taxpayers. The result is a state of the art venue that serves both the Georgia Bulldogs track and field program and the broader running community.

A Modern Facility Built for Performance

Located on South Milledge Avenue, the 37 acre complex replaces the former Spec Towns Track and represents a dramatic upgrade in both scale and capability.

Key features include:

• A nine lane 400 meter outdoor competition track

• Seating for approximately 2,500 spectators with expansion capability

• Dedicated long jump triple jump and pole vault areas

• Throws fields and turf training spaces

• A 110 meter training hill

• Modern locker rooms recovery areas and sports medicine space

• Press box observation deck and event amenities

The stadium is named in honor of Forrest Spec Towns Olympic gold medalist and legendary Georgia coach whose legacy remains central to the program’s history.

Indoor Training Track Within the Stadium

What truly sets this complex apart is the integrated indoor training straightaway built beneath the grandstand. The climate controlled indoor space features five lanes and allows athletes to complete sprint sessions drills and speed work regardless of weather conditions.

The design is sleek and modern with advanced lighting and a professional performance center feel. This addition gives Georgia athletes a year round training advantage and enhances recruiting appeal within the highly competitive SEC conference.

Open to the Public

Perhaps most notably the facility includes designated public access times. Local runners walkers youth athletes and clubs will have the opportunity to train on a world class surface typically reserved for Division I athletes.

That decision strengthens the connection between the university and the Athens community and positions the city as an emerging destination for track and field enthusiasts.

Hosting Major Events

The new complex is already scheduled to host major competitions including the Classic City Track and Field Invitational and the GHSA state championships. The SEC Championships are also scheduled to be held here in 2027 further cementing Athens as a key venue in collegiate athletics.

A Bold Statement for the Sport

In an era when many collegiate programs face budget challenges this 60 million dollar investment sends a strong message about the importance of track and field at Georgia. Facilities influence recruiting performance and community engagement.

Athens Georgia now stands among the premier track and field locations in the southeastern United States offering elite competition infrastructure while remaining accessible to the public.

For the Bulldogs it is a competitive advantage.

For the community it is opportunity.

For the sport it is a powerful statement of belief in its future.