World-Class Track and Field Center Comes to Randall's Island

RANDALL’S ISLAND, NY-One of the signs that New York is gearing up to be a possible Olympics venue is the $37 million development of a world-class track and field center on Randall’s Island-the only one of its kind in New York City.

According to the Randall’s Island Sports Foundation, the 10,000-seat center now under construction for a summer 2004 unveiling will far exceed the expectations of all track and field competitors and spectators. The center will be the only local facility to host international competition and Olympic Trials, and will also be a nexus for the general public including the disabled, and the private and public school community.

The stadium is being built on the former site of the antiquated Downing Stadium, the site of Olympic Trials in 1936 and 1991. The foundation is working together with New York City Economic Development Corporation and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. They selected Bovis Lend Lease LMB Inc. as construction manager, Hillier as prime architect, and Ricardo Zurita Architecture and Planning, associate architect, to provide design and construction management services for the construction. The facility which will meet IAFF Competition Category 3 requirements to accommodate championships including Olympic trial meets, will have a Mondo track and provide covered stadium seating for 5,000; support facilities for participants and spectators; and an additional 5,000 open bleacher seats.