UCC to Celebrate Grand Opening of New Track & Field Complex Aug. 29

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Umpqua Community College will officially celebrate the opening of its new Track & Field Complex on Saturday, Aug. 29, marking the completion of a project that brings collegiate track and field competition back to the Roseburg campus after more than three decades.

The free community celebration will run from 8 to 11 a.m. and will include a ribbon cutting, Riverhawk 5K, pancake breakfast and family-friendly activities.

The new complex has already hosted competition. UCC held its first collegiate meet at the facility on Feb. 28 as a soft opening, bringing home collegiate track competition back to the campus for the first time since 1995.

“This facility represents much more than a new place to compete,” UCC Director of Athletics and Events Craig Jackson said. “It represents opportunity for our student-athletes, a stronger future for Riverhawk Athletics and a place where our broader community can come together.”

Saturday’s celebration will begin with the event opening at 8 a.m., followed by a welcome and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m.

The Riverhawk 5K and pancake breakfast will begin at 9 a.m. The 5K is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, with the course beginning and ending on the new track. Registration is free, although donations will be accepted to support UCC Track & Field and Cross Country.

Family-friendly activities are scheduled from 9:15 to 11 a.m.

For Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach Alan King, the facility gives Riverhawk athletes a permanent place to train and compete.

“Our student-athletes now have a place they can truly call home,” King said. “They can train here, compete here and have their families, friends and community come watch them represent UCC.”

UCC said the complex was designed to serve more than its collegiate athletic programs. The facility is expected to provide additional opportunities for youth athletics, K-12 competitions, community recreation, campus events and regional gatherings.

The project was supported by donors, community partners and organizations, including lead donor Shelley Briggs Loosley. UCC credited Loosley with helping initiate the project and build support needed to move it from an idea to a completed facility.

Other supporters include the Briggs Loosley Foundation, John & Jean Loosley Charitable Foundation, Eric and Kristen Ball, Simmons Law, P.C., Pat and Julee Wright, Brent and Heidi Eichman, Rachel and Jim Pokrandt, Jacky and Rick Sohn, and Mike and Lori Keller.

The facility is also supported through a five-year partnership with Rogue Credit Union and is formally recognized as the UCC Track & Field Complex Sponsored by Rogue Credit Union.

Event Schedule

• 8 a.m. - Event opens
• 8:30 a.m. - Welcome and ribbon cutting
• 9 a.m. - Riverhawk 5K and pancake breakfast
• 9:15 to 11 a.m. - Family-friendly activities

The grand opening will be held at Umpqua Community College, 1140 Umpqua College Road in Roseburg. The celebration and Riverhawk 5K are free and open to the public.