Hodges Stadium Selected Host Site for 2023 & 2025 NCAA Track & Field East Prelims
10/14/2020 1:25:00 PM | Men's Track, Women's Track
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Track and Field Committee announced Wednesday that the University of North Florida will host one of two preliminary rounds for both the 2023 and 2025 NCAA Division I Track and Field Outdoor Championships. Competitions are scheduled for May 25-27, 2023 and May 29-31, 2025.
Â
The announcement reflects the unified partnership between the University of North Florida and the TDC support and funding made possible through the City of Jacksonville's Sports Tourism Initiative that's being led by Visit Jacksonville.
Â
This marks the seventh and eighth times in the past 14 years that UNF will host the East preliminary round competition including hosting the event this coming May (2021).
Â
Hodges Stadium, which has also served as host for the ASUN Conference Outdoor Track Championships since 2009, previously hosted the NCAA East Prelim in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019. Those previous championships have generated an estimated economic impact of nearly $8 million each time including more than 11,000 hotel room nights.
Â
In addition, the stadium has served as the host site to Florida's high school state track & field championships multiple times along with the USATF Masters Championships and USATF Junior Olympics in 2015.
Â
As home to UNF's track & field and soccer teams, the 9,400-seat Hodges Stadium was opened in January 2004. It was renamed Hodges Stadium after a generous gift of $2 million from George and Kernan Hodges announced in October 2006.
Â
After the installation of seating in the existing stands, a completed press box and field/track lighting during 2007, the final phase of construction was completed in August 2008 with the installation of the 9 lane Olympic quality track with Mondotrack SX surface. The track has full markings for all NCAA and IAAF events, including the ability to run directional events in either direction on either straight. All field event areas are within the stadium, including 4 horizontal jump pits, 8 pole vault locations, and multiple areas for each throwing event. Rounding out the package, the facility includes a full 400m, 3 lane warm-up track and brand new IAAF certified equipment provided by UCS.
Â
Hodges Stadium is one of just nine facilities in the U.S. to receive IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) certification. It is currently certified as a Class II facility though it is built to Class I standards.
Â
Â
University of North Florida Director of Athletics Lee Moon
"We are thrilled that the NCAA has chosen North Florida and Hodges Stadium as the host location for the NCAA East Preliminary in 2023 and 2025. Being selected again to host this top tier national track competition is not only an honor but also a reflection of the dedication, commitment and hard work by our staff during previous championships held here. The NCAA East Prelim is a great opportunity for both UNF and the city of Jacksonville to shine on a national stage. Partnering with the TDC and Visit Jacksonville in putting on these first-class events definitely provides benefits and produces lasting impact for both the university campus and the Jacksonville community in a variety of areas. This announcement is just another step along the path towards our ultimate goal of hosting the NCAA Championship Finals meet."
Â
University of North Florida Senior Associate Director of Athletics Ervin Lewis
(East Prelim Meet Manager | Member of the NCAA Track & Field Championship Committee)
"This is a result of years of excellence and dedication in our UNF and Jacksonville track and field communities. To again have the complete trust of the NCAA to host such a prestigious championship here at the University of North Florida is truly remarkable."
North Florida Head Track & Field Coach Jeff Pigg
"It is great news that the NCAA continues to come back to Jacksonville. For our student athletes, it adds an extra incentive having the opportunity to run such a great meet here on their home track. Track in general builds energy throughout the entire season especially knowing the East Prelim is the final meet on our home schedule. I believe we provide a great experience for all of the student athletes who compete here and the choice to come back to UNF is a vote of confidence from the NCAA about our city, our facility and the UNF staff. As the track coach, I couldn't be prouder of everyone who works to make this event happen each time we host it."
University of North Florida President Dr. David Szymanski
"UNF is honored to be the host school for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field East Preliminary Meets that will showcase the University's remarkable athletic facilities and dedicated sports program. These events further put our unique campus and surrounding Jacksonville and Northeast Florida community in the national spotlight."
Â
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry
"Jacksonville is honored to host the NCAA Track & Field Preliminary Meet at the University of North Florida campus. We are proud to welcome the coaches, athletes, family members, and fans to our community. I appreciate UNF's partnership and investment as Jacksonville moves to the forefront of track and field programs and look forward to this tremendous opportunity to showcase our city."
Â
President of Jacksonville City Council and Chair of Duval Tourist Development Council (TDC), Tommy Hazouri
"Duval's Tourist Development Council is honored to support UNF hosting NCAA Track & Field Preliminary Meet. Not only do we celebrate the excellence of these world-class athletes, but also the excellence of UNF's athletic department in developing facilities and programming that raise the profile of our great City. This announcement is evidence of the tremendous growth Duval's sports industry is bearing – an initiative that all our residents enjoy and benefit from."
Â
Visit Jacksonville President and CEO, Michael Corrigan
"Visit Jacksonville and our entire hospitality community are thrilled to be part of another sports win for our city! Hosting these major track events, and all the new visitors they bring, are a great example of the positive accomplishments we can achieve when working collaboratively to promote Jacksonville as a premier sporting destination. Our whole team is eager, and ready, to welcome the thousands of competitors, coaches, families and fans from around the country that will come discover what the Jacksonville Experience is all about."
Â
Â
The announcement reflects the unified partnership between the University of North Florida and the TDC support and funding made possible through the City of Jacksonville's Sports Tourism Initiative that's being led by Visit Jacksonville.
Â
This marks the seventh and eighth times in the past 14 years that UNF will host the East preliminary round competition including hosting the event this coming May (2021).
Â
Hodges Stadium, which has also served as host for the ASUN Conference Outdoor Track Championships since 2009, previously hosted the NCAA East Prelim in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019. Those previous championships have generated an estimated economic impact of nearly $8 million each time including more than 11,000 hotel room nights.
Â
In addition, the stadium has served as the host site to Florida's high school state track & field championships multiple times along with the USATF Masters Championships and USATF Junior Olympics in 2015.
Â
As home to UNF's track & field and soccer teams, the 9,400-seat Hodges Stadium was opened in January 2004. It was renamed Hodges Stadium after a generous gift of $2 million from George and Kernan Hodges announced in October 2006.
Â
After the installation of seating in the existing stands, a completed press box and field/track lighting during 2007, the final phase of construction was completed in August 2008 with the installation of the 9 lane Olympic quality track with Mondotrack SX surface. The track has full markings for all NCAA and IAAF events, including the ability to run directional events in either direction on either straight. All field event areas are within the stadium, including 4 horizontal jump pits, 8 pole vault locations, and multiple areas for each throwing event. Rounding out the package, the facility includes a full 400m, 3 lane warm-up track and brand new IAAF certified equipment provided by UCS.
Â
Hodges Stadium is one of just nine facilities in the U.S. to receive IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) certification. It is currently certified as a Class II facility though it is built to Class I standards.
Â
Â
University of North Florida Director of Athletics Lee Moon
"We are thrilled that the NCAA has chosen North Florida and Hodges Stadium as the host location for the NCAA East Preliminary in 2023 and 2025. Being selected again to host this top tier national track competition is not only an honor but also a reflection of the dedication, commitment and hard work by our staff during previous championships held here. The NCAA East Prelim is a great opportunity for both UNF and the city of Jacksonville to shine on a national stage. Partnering with the TDC and Visit Jacksonville in putting on these first-class events definitely provides benefits and produces lasting impact for both the university campus and the Jacksonville community in a variety of areas. This announcement is just another step along the path towards our ultimate goal of hosting the NCAA Championship Finals meet."
Â
University of North Florida Senior Associate Director of Athletics Ervin Lewis
(East Prelim Meet Manager | Member of the NCAA Track & Field Championship Committee)
"This is a result of years of excellence and dedication in our UNF and Jacksonville track and field communities. To again have the complete trust of the NCAA to host such a prestigious championship here at the University of North Florida is truly remarkable."
North Florida Head Track & Field Coach Jeff Pigg
"It is great news that the NCAA continues to come back to Jacksonville. For our student athletes, it adds an extra incentive having the opportunity to run such a great meet here on their home track. Track in general builds energy throughout the entire season especially knowing the East Prelim is the final meet on our home schedule. I believe we provide a great experience for all of the student athletes who compete here and the choice to come back to UNF is a vote of confidence from the NCAA about our city, our facility and the UNF staff. As the track coach, I couldn't be prouder of everyone who works to make this event happen each time we host it."
University of North Florida President Dr. David Szymanski
"UNF is honored to be the host school for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field East Preliminary Meets that will showcase the University's remarkable athletic facilities and dedicated sports program. These events further put our unique campus and surrounding Jacksonville and Northeast Florida community in the national spotlight."
Â
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry
"Jacksonville is honored to host the NCAA Track & Field Preliminary Meet at the University of North Florida campus. We are proud to welcome the coaches, athletes, family members, and fans to our community. I appreciate UNF's partnership and investment as Jacksonville moves to the forefront of track and field programs and look forward to this tremendous opportunity to showcase our city."
Â
President of Jacksonville City Council and Chair of Duval Tourist Development Council (TDC), Tommy Hazouri
"Duval's Tourist Development Council is honored to support UNF hosting NCAA Track & Field Preliminary Meet. Not only do we celebrate the excellence of these world-class athletes, but also the excellence of UNF's athletic department in developing facilities and programming that raise the profile of our great City. This announcement is evidence of the tremendous growth Duval's sports industry is bearing – an initiative that all our residents enjoy and benefit from."
Â
Visit Jacksonville President and CEO, Michael Corrigan
"Visit Jacksonville and our entire hospitality community are thrilled to be part of another sports win for our city! Hosting these major track events, and all the new visitors they bring, are a great example of the positive accomplishments we can achieve when working collaboratively to promote Jacksonville as a premier sporting destination. Our whole team is eager, and ready, to welcome the thousands of competitors, coaches, families and fans from around the country that will come discover what the Jacksonville Experience is all about."
Â
Hodges Stadium at Visit Jax Track Aerial
Thursday, July 06
Turf Field & Three-Lane Track
Thursday, July 06
UNF Track Invite
Monday, June 25
Manny Velasquez Comeback
Monday, June 25
