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Eugene, Oregon

Located in Lane County, Oregon, Eugene was established in 1846. Nike was born in Eugene—Bowerman made waffle-sole shoes with his wife's waffle iron. Hayward Field has hosted more NCAA track championships than any other venue.

Founded 1846 | Population 178,961 | Peak 178,961 (2024) | County Lane County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Eugene, Oregon

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1876University of Oregon Founded: State flagship established; first class has five students.

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1962Bowerman's Track Dynasty: Coach whose waffle-iron experiments birth Nike.

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1972Olympic Track Trials at Hayward Field: Eugene earns 'Track Town, USA' nickname.

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1975Steve Prefontaine Dies: Legendary runner killed at 24; memorial becomes pilgrimage site.

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2022World Athletics Championships: First in U.S. held at rebuilt $270M Hayward Field.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1876 Culture

University of Oregon Founded

1962 Sports

Bowerman's Track Dynasty

1972 Sports

Olympic Track Trials at Hayward Field

1975 Sports

Steve Prefontaine Dies

2022 Sports

World Athletics Championships

Did You Know?

Nike was born in Eugene—Bowerman made waffle-sole shoes with his wife's waffle iron.

Hayward Field has hosted more NCAA track championships than any other venue.

Prefontaine's memorial rock is one of the world's most visited running shrines.

Eugene is located in Lane County, Oregon.

Eugene was founded in 1846.

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