Durham to Host 2019 USATF National Youth Outdoor Championships

Event Expected to Draw as Many as 4,500 Athletes, Generate Upwards of $7 Million in Economic Impact

INDIANAPOLIS/DURHAM, NC (Monday, December 4, 2017) – USA Track & Field (USATF) today announced Durham, North Carolina, will host the 2019 USATF National Youth Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Durham County Memorial Stadium on June 25-30, 2019. The Durham Sports Commission led the successful bid, and will captain the local organizing committee that includes participation from the North Carolina USATF Association, Durham County Memorial Stadium and Stadium Authority, Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau, City of Durham, and Durham County. As many as 4,500 athletes, aged 7-18, are expected to travel to Durham and compete in the event, which would generate a forecasted economic impact of over $7 million.

“With the incredible track and field community we have in Durham and across the state, it was a part of DSC’s early goals – to set the foundation for a great, long-lasting relationship with USATF and bid on its national championships,” said Executive Director of the Durham Sports Commission, Ashleigh Bachert. “The event will showcase Durham to thousands of visitors, filling 18,000 room nights over six days, as well as support and engage our active amateur clubs.”

The USATF National Youth Outdoor Championships are open to all youth athletes. The meet has performance guidelines but no strict qualifying standards, making the event attractive to those who can register without having to attend other qualification events. Durham County Memorial Stadium will also be a draw, as the venue is conveniently located near host hotels, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, major interstates, and Durham’s other all-star amenities. The multi-use facility has a rich history of hosting events at all levels, including other high-caliber track and field events like the Powerade State Games, NC USATF Senior Games Championship, USATF Regionals, and the annual Russell E. Blunt East Coast Invitational Track and Field Meet.

“We’re thrilled to welcome USATF and thousands of our nation’s best athletes and their families to Durham,” said Shelly Green, President & CEO, DCVB. “The successful bid is a testament to the hard work of the DSC, as well as to those who worked behind the scenes for years with a vision to create such an organization to champion sports-based initiatives that benefit the community.”

DSC’s work to secure the 2019 USATF National Youth Outdoor Championships aligns with its mission to create economic, social, and community impact by leading Durham’s efforts to attract, support and promote sporting events. Since its inception in August 2016, DSC’s effect has been immediate, servicing Durham-based events as well as recruiting national associations and event owners to the area. The nonprofit organization has already been recognized by SportsEvents magazine, the nation’s leading industry publication, as a 2018 Readers’ Choice Award winner for its dedication to youth and amateur sports.

Other events DSC will host or support on a national stage prior to the 2019 USATF National Youth Outdoor Championships include the 2018 United States Women’s Curling Association National Meeting and Bonspiel, the first time the championship event will be hosted south of Virginia, as well as the ACC Baseball Championship’s Fan Fest, returning to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in 2018.