Nikki Stephens, 17, of Seattle competes in the high jump. (Sacramento State/Jessica Vernone) More photosPreview story: Sacramento State’s Hornet Stadium is the site of the USA Track & Field (USATF) National Junior Olympic Championships, July 25-31.
More than 7,500 elite athletes, ages 7 to 18, will compete during the meet, which is expected to attract up to 14,000 fans a day.
The USATF Junior Olympics was created in the 1960s as a development program for young American athletes. Among the notable track and field stars who competed as youngsters are Maurice Greene, Allyson Felix, John Godina, Deena Kastor, and Allen Johnson.
Hornet Stadium was the site of the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Trials and the 2014 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. In June 2017, the outdoor championships will return to Hornet Stadium, where athletes will compete to qualify for the IAAF World Championships.
Sacramento’s savvy fans and Hornet Stadium’s $1.4 million Mondo Super X 720 track, installed in 2014, make Sac State a sought-after venue for top-level track and field meets.
To see the events schedule for the National Junior Olympic Championships: bit.ly/29F2Nsa.
All tickets are general admission and may be purchased at Hornet Stadium. Prices are $15 a day for adults, $50 for a seven-day pass, and $45 for a five-day pass. Tickets for children ages 7 to 12 are $8 a day, $30 for seven days, and $25 for five days. Ages 6 and under admitted free.
The championships will affect traffic and parking on campus. Stadium Drive will be closed to through traffic starting at Red Buckeye Way, and traffic controls may occur on College Town Drive at Stadium Drive. Use caution on College Town Drive and consider using State University Drive as an alternate route.
Additionally:
- Event parking is available in Parking Structure III and Lots 7 and 8.
- RVs and other oversized vehicles will be directed to Lot 9.
- Lot 12 will be closed during the championships.
- Vehicles with valid Sac State permits may continue to park on campus. Be aware of delays entering and exiting Lots 7 and 8.
– Dixie Reid
In the media:
"Sacramento State plays host to the National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships," KCRA 3
"Junior Olympic athletes competing in Sacramento this week," Capital Public Radio
"Athletes feel the heat during Junior Olympics at Sac State," ABC 10
"Sacramento hosts top track and field youth athletes in Junior Olympic meet," The Sacramento Bee