IAAF World Track 2016

Through an international competition, the City of Portland was awarded the opportunity to host the International Association of Athletics Federation’s (IAAF) 2016 World Championship of Track and Field. GBD was approached by a Portland developer, who was hired to make this happen. The mission: Convert the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) into world-class track facility, housing a banked 200-meter track along with infield facilities for long jump, sprints, hurdles, high jump, and pole vault with grandstand seating for 8,000 as well as all athlete, media and spectator support spaces. This needed to be the fastest track ever built to enable record setting times. To top it off, the space needed to be designed for rapid installation and removal, with the actual use taking place in less than a week.

Working with the developer, Track Town USA, and a host of specialists from event planners to digital timing manufacturers, GBD provided advice on design and building code requirements throughout the planning process. We worked directly with engineers, the OCC, as well as the City Fire Marshall and Building Department. GBD’s work included design and permit documents as well as extensive on site coordination during installation.

As a truly one of a kind project, this challenge proved GBD’s ability to provide one-of-a-kind services within an absolutely critical timeline. This effort resulted in a highly successful international event, which resulted in Olympic and World Record performances. As track athlete, Andrew Wheating noted in the Portland Tribune: “That is the fasted track I have ever run on!”