Bomb Threat Empties Hayward Field Ahead Of NCAA Track Championships

Hayward Field at the University of Oregon was evacuated Tuesday after campus officials received a bomb threat, forcing athletes and staff out of the stadium and sending spectators into nearby streets. University police and other responding agencies launched a methodical sweep of the facility while the campus community was told to steer clear. The search paused scheduled activity at the venue as investigators worked through the stadium.

According to the University of Oregon's UO Alerts page, an initial "EVACUATE" notice for Hayward Field went out around 1:39 p.m., followed by "AVOID" messages as crews continued their work. "UOPD and partner agencies from across the region are on scene out of an abundance of caution," one alert stated, noting that the investigation was expected to last several hours. The alerts directed people to stay away from the Hayward Field area while searches were underway.

Local coverage later confirmed the evacuation. As reported by KOIN, campus police, stadium staff and other agencies cleared the stadium and its immediate perimeter while investigators looked for anything suspicious. KOIN also reported that teams were practicing at Hayward Field when the call came in, bringing on-field activity to an immediate halt.

Meet Disruption and Local Impact

The evacuation hit just one day before Hayward Field was scheduled to host the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which the university says will bring athletes and fans to campus June 10–13, per UO News. The university had already warned of heavy traffic and reserved parking on the east side of campus in advance of the meet, raising the stakes for any last-minute security scare. As of the latest alerts, organizers had not announced changes to the competition schedule.

What Officials Are Saying

Officials urged people in the area to follow official alerts and law enforcement directions while the search continued. The school described the response as precautionary and said it would post new information as it became available. Police asked anyone with photos, video or information from the Hayward Field area to contact UOPD's non-emergency line.

School leaders and event organizers said they would update athletes, ticket holders and the public once investigators clear the stadium and more information is available. For now, attendees are advised to monitor official channels for developments.