The Prefontaine Classic Announces Four Days of Fan-First Festivities for Fourth of July Weekend
Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall celebrate at the Pre Classic VIP Experience during the 50th Prefontaine Classic on July 5, 2025 at Hayward Field.
In just one month, the world’s best meet will return to Hayward Field at the University of Oregon alongside a four-day slate of fan-forward activations. Community members and fans traveling in for the 51st edition of The Prefontaine Classic are encouraged to join the festivities beginning on July 1.
For the first time, Friday Night at the Prefontaine Classic will feature a drone light show at the conclusion of the evening’s competition. Friday night, or two-day ticket holders are invited to join us at Hayward Field for a Fourth of July celebration under the lights beginning at 9:30 p.m. Pacific time.
On Friday, July 3 from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. Pacific time, and Saturday, July 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time, fans can get meet-ready with the Marshfield District Fan Festival, which will expand to two locations for the first time – one on Agate Street outside of Hayward Field, and one on the turf fields behind the home stretch. The festival, named after a district in Steve Prefontaine’s hometown of Coos Bay Oregon, features family-friendly activations, food and beverage experiences, and retail opportunities. TrackTown USA Kids Club will also return with its Kids Zone, a space designed to get track & field’s young fans moving with games and activities. At the fan festival, fans can enjoy local flavors from Tiger Mama, Hole in the Wall BBQ, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, Fisherman’s Market, Eugene Kettle Corn, Kona Ice, Hop Valley Brewing, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Rodeo Tequila, Bull Run Distillery, Drop Bear Brewery, and more.
The Marshfield District Fan Festival will be anchored by The Fieldhouse, one of the largest and most immersive retail experiences The Prefontaine Classic has ever seen. Featuring dozens of 2026 exclusive Pre Classic apparel and accessory designs, The Fieldhouse will be open for the duration of the fan festival on both Friday and Saturday.
A two-day, all-inclusive luxury VIP Experience is set to return to the world’s best meet. Offering premium, all-inclusive food and beverage, champagne celebrations with the world’s best athletes, an exclusive view of the athletes’ warm-up zone, a dedicated merch tent, VIP parking, and live entertainment, the VIP Experience at the Pre Classic is like none other. VIP pass holders can enjoy the space before and after each day of competition. On Friday, July 3, the VIP Village will be open from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Pacific time and 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 Pacific time and on Saturday, July 4 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pacific time and 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific time.
On Friday, July 3 at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time and Saturday, July 4 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time, the CITIUS Mag Live Show will return for the third time. Fans can watch as CITIUS Mag hosts star athlete guests from the VIP Village and Fan Festival Stage.
Now in its third year, the Youth Buddy program is set to return on Saturday, July 4 to provide kids in 1st through 8th grade an opportunity to join track & field’s biggest stars as they enter the field of play. Similar to other major sporting events, Youth Buddies will accompany a star athlete onto the track or field in an effort to inspire the next generation of track & field athletes.
Fans hoping to kick off an extended weekend of events can get started early with the Oregon Track Club All Comers Meet at The Prefontaine Classic on Wednesday, July 1. Open to athletes ages 12 and under, youth are encouraged to run, jump, and throw at Hayward Field beginning at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time. Participation is free for TrackTown USA Kids Club and Oregon Track Club (OTC) members. Non-members may participate for only $10. Full event information is available on the OTC website.
On Thursday, July 2, fans of all ages are invited to run or walk one mile under the lights at Hayward Field for the 2026 Night of Miles at the Pre Classic. In 2025, more than 600 participants crossed the finish line alongside the wavelights. Advance registration is highly recommended and open until July 1 at no cost to the participant, while walk-up registration is also available. Heats will be determined by seed time and begin at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time.
Fans are encouraged to hit the roads the morning of Saturday, July 4 at the iconic Oregon Track Club Butte to Butte, presented by Rexius. First run in 1973, the Butte to Butte starts near the base of Spencer Butte and runs 10 kilometers through the streets of Eugene before ending near the base of Skinner Butte. In addition to the 10k run, options for a 5k run/walk and 4 Mile Mayor’s Walk are also available. With thousands of participants every year, Butte to Butte is a local 4th of July tradition like no other. More information and registration can be found on the Butte to Butte website.
Single-day and all-session tickets, as well as VIP Experience Packages, are now available and selling fast.