On Friday and Saturday, March 9–10, more than 2,000 competitors, coaches and visitors are expected to visit campus for the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships hosted at the Charles Benson Bear ’39 Recreation and Athletic Center field house.
“This meet brings the rest of the country to Grinnell,” says Will Freeman, men’s track and field coach and a member of the NCAA committee. “It’s not just a track championship, but a chance to showcase the College and entire community to many, many people.”
The meet allows the College to showcase the field house, which opened in 2010. The six-lane, 200-meter track includes an eight-lane straightaway as well as runways for the triple jump, long jump, high jump and pole vault, as well as shot-put and weight-throw areas.
“This facility was built with the hopes of hosting a national championship, so to be able to achieve that goal this quickly is great,” Freeman says. “This is a state-of-the-art, world-class facility, and I think the coaches and athletes will love participating in it.”
Community Information
With an influx of more than 2,000 people, the campus community should anticipate some interruption in normal traffic patterns and limited access to the Bear all week.
“We appreciate the cooperation and patience of the community as we do our best to present the town and the college in the best light,” says Steve Briscoe, director of campus safety and security. “Making these short-term adjustments allows Grinnell to host a national event and share our facilities with visitors from across the country.”
Schedule of Events: See the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships Schedule
Tickets: Tickets will be available on site during the meet — no presale tickets. See Ticket Information.
Parking: Parking on campus and nearby streets will be adjusted during the event. Campus lots on 10th Avenue will be converted to visitor parking only beginning March 8, and the City of Grinnell will allow additional on-street parking in designated areas March 8–10.
Bear Center Hours: Sections of the Bear Center will begin being restricted to championship activities starting March 5. The center will reopen Monday, March 12, with normal operating hours. See Facility Information during NCAA D-III National Championships. All users should enter the building through the natatorium lobby. Users will still have access to general and faculty/staff locker rooms.
If you attend classes in the Bear, check with your instructors about changes in venues or cancellations during the week of the NCAA meet.
