Eugene, Ore. -- On Tuesday morning, the International Olympic Committee announced their decision to postpone the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. Later in the morning, Tracktown USA followed suit, announcing the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Trials to be held in Eugene in late June.
The event, along with the 2020 Pac-12 Track & Field Championships, were supposed to be the two marquee races that would open up the new Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.
"Our Local Organizing Committee stands ready to welcome the best athletes in the country to the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field once a decision is reached," said Tracktown USA in a statement. "In collaboration with USATF and the USOPC, we are finalizing the policies and procedures for ticket customers to either retain their tickets for a rescheduled date or to request a refund. We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding as we work through the necessary next steps."
World Athletics, the body that also oversees the World Championship events, also released a statement on the status of the 2021 IAAF World Track & Field Championships that are slated to be held in Eugene as well.
"World Athletics stands ready to work with the IOC and all sport on an alternative date for the Olympic Games in 2021 and has already been in discussion with the Organising Committee of the World Athletics Championships Oregon 21 regarding the possibility of moving the dates of this highly popular worldwide event," the statement reads. "They have assured us that they will work with all of their partners and stakeholders to ensure that Oregon is able to host the World Athletics Championships on alternative dates, including dates in 2022."