Oct. 5, 2012

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky Track and Field program welcomed supporters, coaches, former track greats and Athletic Department staff to the grand opening of the new state-of-the-art outdoor track and field facility on Friday.

“Our new outdoor track will help us attract some of the best student-athletes in the nation as we aim to compete at the highest levels of intercollegiate competition,” Kentucky track and field head coach Edrick Floreal said. “It also will give us the opportunity to host elite outdoor high school and intercollegiate meets, as we currently do indoors at the Nutter Field House.”

Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart opened the evening by thanking the many people who made the day possible.

“We see something, we have a chance to showcase it and make good out of it,” Barnhart said. “We’re going to enjoy what we have. We are going to showcase what Don (Weber) helped build at this place.”

Recently retired track and field head coach Don Weber spent much of his 34-year tenure on staff at UK working to bring a top-class facility to the campus. Weber expressed his gratitude to all those who helped support the construction of the new track.

“With Shivley Sports Center, the indoor track at Nutter Field House and now this facility we have the best infrastructure in college track and field,” Weber said. “I have no doubt Edrick, his coaches and his athletes will build the most competitive track team in the history of UK.”

Tyson Gay, a Lexington native, 2012 Olympic silver medalist in the 4×100-meter relay and American record holder in the 100 meters, was also on hand to help open the eye-catching facility.

Those in attendance were given the opportunity to tour the new track as well as the team locker rooms just minutes away at Shively Training Facility. Fans also took time to meet the new track and field coaching staff while enjoying a live band to set the festive mood.

For continuing coverage of UK track and field, follow the team on Twitter @KentuckyTrack.