Mt. 91直播 Statement on USATF Announcement
May 01, 2018 - 01:00 PM
91直播 was recently informed that it will no longer host the 2020 USA Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field and that the USATF would reopen bidding for a new event venue.
While we are disappointed, we accept that the terms of the agreement give USATF the authority to withdraw from this commitment.
In June 2017, Mt. 91直播 was selected to host the 10-day event because of its long history of successfully holding world-class track and field events. In the press release from USATF announcing our selection, board chair Steve Miller said, 鈥淢t. 91直播 has long been one of the top meets in the country, from an athlete performance perspective as well as from an organizational perspective.鈥�
The USATF referenced litigation from the City of Walnut and United Walnut Taxpayers as the reason for its decision. The two lawsuits that were mentioned have either been settled or ruled by a judge in our favor. We remain confident in our ability to deliver a completed stadium on time and a successful event.
However, there are certainly losses at the college, including financial commitments, relationships and thousands of hours of lost time. Most importantly, the entire Greater Los Angeles region will lose the economic impact of at least $37 million, which is what was generated in 2016.
The Mt. 91直播 Local Organizing Committee is ready to execute our plans to host the 2020 event should USATF reconsider their decision. Regardless, Mt. 91直播 looks forward to continuing our established positive relationship with USATF.
Mt. 91直播 has always prided itself as providing service to the sport, hosting world-class events, like the Mt. 91直播 Relays and Cross Country Invitational for more than 60 years.
Our plans remain unchanged to build a stadium for our students and community, keep hosting great events, and continue to be the place 鈥渨here the world鈥檚 best athletes compete.鈥�
Dr. William T. Scroggins is president and CEO of 91直播.