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OSU Buildings Histories in the Special Collections and Archives Research Center

Building History

A color image of Whyte Track and Field.

 

The Whyte Track and Field Center opened in September 2012. The ribbon-cutting ceremony represented another milestone to the rebirth of the OSU track and field program. The program continues to grow after it was reintroduced to OSU Athletics in September 2004, following an 18-year hiatus. Phase I of the project, completed in 2012, features an International Association of Athletics Federation-certified Olympic-caliber polyurethane surface; a FieldTurf infield; a nine-lane track; high jump aprons; long jump, triple jump, pole vault and javelin runways; shot put sectors; and dual discus rings. A hammer throw area was installed prior to the 2017 spring season as well as other infrastructure in front of the Phase II portion of the build out. Phase II includes the installation of grandstands, a press box; a scoreboard, and other amenities.

General Information

Address

2200 Western Boulevard

Architect

DLR Group - Portland

Year Built

2012

Renovations

A hammer throw area, grandstands, a scoreboard, and a press box were added in 2017

Square Footage

N/A

Purpose/Usage

Practice and competition space for the OSU Track and Field team. 

Previous Name(s)

N/A

Namesake

Jim Whyte - 1972 alumnus and OSU track athlete; provided substantial donation for the construction of the track.

Historic District

No

Blueprints

No

Maps

Facilities Services Records, 1888-2003. Series XX:  Campus, Farm, and Property Maps, 1899-1990. Campus and Farm Maps: 3-A

Oregon State University Campus Maps, 1894-1994

Photographs

Oregon State University Historical Photographs, 1868-1980

Further Archival Information

Note: Due to the relatively recent establishment of the Whyte Track and Field Center, little information exists in archival form. 

Oregon Digital: A search for Whyte Track and Field Center yields 91 results, most of which are mentions in several university periodicals. 

SCARC: The Oregon State University Sesquicentennial Oral History Collection includes oral histories that make mention of the Whyte Track and Field Center - namely, "Raising the Bar for OSU Athletics"

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