Two Highly Successful Programs Set To Host Competitions With New State-of-the-Art Track and Field Complex
The University of Rhode Island (URI) Men’s Track and Field team stands as the premier track and field program in New England, having captured 8 of the past 15 Outdoor Atlantic 10 Championships. The Women’s team has also earned 12 championships during their program history. Reflecting the programs’ sustained excellence, URI recently held an official groundbreaking ceremony for its new outdoor track and field facility on the Kingston Campus.
State leaders including Governor Dan McKee and House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi attended the event, along with URI President Marc Parlange, Vice President and Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn, and members of the men’s and women’s track and field programs. Also in attendance were URI Hall of Famer Jeremy Collins and Legendary Head Coach John Copeland, both of whom have been instrumental in shaping the proud legacy of URI Track and Field.
The new facility is part of a broader $65.8 million Rhode Island Capital Plan (RICAP) investment aimed at transforming URI’s athletic infrastructure into championship-caliber venues. Signed into law by Governor McKee in 2024, the RICAP funding supports upgrades to Meade Stadium, Tootell Aquatic Center, Beck Field, the URI Softball Complex, and the URI Soccer Complex. URI is also raising an additional $20 million to enhance the student-athlete experience, elevate fan engagement, and expand community access.
Expected to be completed by the summer of 2026, the new IAAF Class 2-certified facility will feature nine running lanes with full-pour surfacing, multiple jump runways, two long/triple jump runways with four sand pits, two pole vault runways with four vault boxes, two high jump areas, and dedicated throwing zones for the hammer, javelin, shot put, and discus.
Once completed, the venue will serve as the home of the URI Men’s and Women’s Track and Field teams and is anticipated to become a premier destination for major regional events, including the Rhode Island State High School Championships and the Special Olympics in the coming years.
The new facility cements the University of Rhode Island’s status as the epicenter of track and field excellence in New England—honoring its championship legacy while building a foundation for future generations of Rams.
