Non-Profit Organizing Track and Field Olympic Trials May Have to Make Dash for Cash

TrackTown USA, the organizing not-for-profit behind the upcoming U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, is short on cash and looking for donations, according to a new report.

The Register-Guard says they have been "passing the hat" and recently got a $75,000 pledge from the city of Springfield.

“The event budget is facing a serious deficit and continued production of this event to the high standards set in 2008 and 2012 is imperative in my opinion," Travel Lane County President and CEO Kari Westlund told the Springfield City Council in pitching for the donation.

The paper quotes TrackTown USA CEO Michael Reilly downplaying the shortfall, saying that there is a gap but they are not worried.

“It’s definitely not cause for concern,” Reilly told the paper. “We’ve got a small gap.”

It costs around $10 million to stage the event, which is being held at Hayward Field for a third straight time.

Earlier this year, the Oregon State Legislature rejected a $3 million request from TrackTown to help pay for security.

While track and field has a huge following in Oregon - home of Nike and the a championship program at the University of Oregon - there has been a reluctance to part with state funds.

TrackTown last year was also awarded the 2021 Track and Field Championships in a controversial decision.

They have told legislative leaders in Salem that they will need $40 million in state support.