gh wrote:From my point of view, the only potential problem with an OT at Hayward is what a letdown just about any other meet is for a long time.
(I'd like to say that's for purely track reasons, but being a native Pacific Northwester, that probably colors my take a little bit)
Boy - I hope you're right. I'm concerned with this type of hype 8 months out, nothing could hold up.
But I've never been to Hayward field for a meet, so what do I know....
I have been to one world class meet outside of Eugene and have been to several Pre Classics and a couple "Road to Eugene" meets. If the weather is decent, then it is marvelous. The people around you are very knowledgeable and really appreciate what they are watching. The place is intimate enough that you don't miss much and much of the stands are covered so when the weather isn't good, it is not unpleasant.
If you can't get accomodation in Eugene, then at worst, it is a two hour drive from Portland.
tandfman wrote:There surely must be places closer than Portland if you can't get anything in Eugene.
Corvallis and Salem (and a number of country B&Bs) are much closer than Portland.
As for there being knowledgeable fans, the only meet I watched there was the 1988 NCAAs and the person behind me (in front?) was Jim Bush (with some others almost as legendary, if I recall correctly). They also were willing to share their conversation and comments with someone that they had never seen and knew vastly less than they did.
My only other "Big" meets were the '84 Trials (Roth beating Mary), the 1984 (OG Joanie winning), and the 1966 Compton Invite (Relays? with Ryun just missing the WR). All were great and nudged me to being more of a fan, although it took this board to help solidify it.
Allow me to suggest that at this juncture, finding decent air transport is probably more problematic than decent housing. As in, if you haven't already made your arrangements, yesterday would be a good day in which to do it.
Plenty of hotels right on I-5, 40 minutes from track in Albany and all very new construction. Some could also stay in Corvallis, about same distance away.
One tip on airfare, fly into Salem on Delta. Only 2 flights a day in/out to SLC so far but an option for some. Not sure how athletes' flights are to be handled since many are not obviously booked.
I would be curious as to what the plan is for this aspect of the event. Perhaps seeing NW as official sponsor they will add special flights for mostly athletes.
It would be great for NW Airlines to start a charter in NY, and make a couple of stops on the way to Eugene or Portland... the Trials Flight - what fun !!!
