ATHENS, Georgia – The University of Georgia (UGA) is set to officially dedicate and open its new state-of-the-art track and field complex on South Milledge Avenue on February 18. This 34,700-square-foot facility, a $59.8 million project funded entirely through gifts and donations, is expected to serve as a significant asset for both the university and the Athens community.
Modern Upgrades and Expanded Capacity
The new complex replaces the former South Lumpkin Street location, offering an expanded track and modern amenities. It features the nine-lane, 400-meter Spec Towns Track, complete with infield facilities for long jump, triple jump, and pole vault. The venue boasts a seating capacity of 2,500, with the flexibility to accommodate up to 4,000 spectators for select events.
Key features of the complex include a grandstand with a dedicated press box and an observation deck, alongside essential visitor amenities such as restrooms and concessions. Below the seating area, a five-lane, 100-meter warm-up track is integrated, complemented by modern sports medicine and recovery spaces, as well as dedicated storage and office areas.
Economic and Cultural Benefits for Athens
Josh Brooks, J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics, emphasized the multifaceted benefits of the new facility. “We are excited about the opportunities this facility will create for our athletes, our campus and our community,” Brooks stated. He added, “While it will support our student-athletes at the highest level, it will also create opportunities that will bring athletes of all ages to our campus throughout the year.”
The complex is anticipated to become a major draw for championship meets, with events such as the GHSA State Track Meet scheduled for May 2026 and the SEC Championships in 2027 already slated to take place. These events are expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy through increased hotel bookings, patronage of local businesses, and restaurant visits.
Brooks further highlighted the facility’s impact, noting, “This extraordinary complex places Athens among the premier track and field destinations in the country. From hosting championship-caliber meets to attracting local, regional and national events, this facility elevates the profile of our program while delivering meaningful economic and cultural benefits to the region.”
Community Access and Future Plans
Beyond competitive events, the facility is designed for versatility and long-term community use. Alison McCullick, director of community relations at UGA, confirmed that the “Classic City Track and Field Invitational” in March will be the first competition held at the new venue, providing local high school athletes access to elite facilities.
McCullick also stated, “In addition to competitions, the space will remain open for walking, running and everyday recreation, making it a year-round asset for the university and Athens.” The university plans to announce specific public usage hours later this spring, once construction is fully concluded and the Georgia track and field team has settled into their new practice routines.
The construction of this facility is part of a larger series of athletic infrastructure projects at UGA. Athletic Director Josh Brooks, in January, mentioned that the project was nearing completion, with fundraising progressing well. The Board of Regents authorized the project in May, with construction anticipated to begin in August and completion aimed for spring 2026. This new track will replace the Spec Towns Track adjacent to the Butts-Mehre complex, which will be repurposed for two new grass football practice fields. The new facility is also expected to alleviate parking issues for the soccer/softball complex, as its 240 planned parking spaces will be shared. [onlineathens.com](https://eu.onlineathens.com/story/sports/college/bulldogs-extra/2024/01/29/georgia-athletics-josh-brooks-track-and-field-uga-football/72272601007/) [onlineathens.com](https://onlineathens.com/story/sports/college/bulldogs-extra/2024/05/11/georgia-track-and-field-college-track-josh-brooks-caryl-smith-gilbert/73633786007/) [ajc.com](https://www.ajc.com/sports/georgia-bulldogs/uga-athletics-provides-update-on-240-million-in-ongoing-facility-projects/J7ZJ2HQHEFBE3DEVOHUOL7O3Q4/)
The new indoor tennis facility, a $26.7 million project, has recently been completed and is already in use. Additionally, a $38.5 million softball facility upgrade is expected to be finished by October. Phase two of the $48 million expansion and renovation of Foley Field, UGA’s baseball facility, will commence after the current baseball season concludes. [ajc.com](https://www.ajc.com/sports/georgia-bulldogs/uga-athletics-provides-update-on-240-million-in-ongoing-facility-projects/J7ZJ2HQHEFBE3DEVOHUOL7O3Q4/)
Source: UGA Today, Classic City News
