University of Kentucky Begins Construction of Shively Track

The demolition of The University of Kentucky’s Shively Track, used by the men’s and women’s track and cross country teams for the past 30 years, has recently been completed, and the groundwork is being laid for the installation of Beynon Sports Surfaces’ BSS 2000 athletic surface.

In an effort to strengthen and improve the school’s athletic infrastructure, several of the University of Kentucky’s facilities are undergoing significant renovations or complete reconstruction this summer, with Shively Track and Field project leading the way. Given the current design and state of the existing track facility, it was very difficult for UK to host any NCAA track and field meets and, while the track and field facility was functional for practice and training, the condition of track itself had become a challenge.

Rather than simply trying to renovate their existing facility, the University of Kentucky performed a comprehensive analysis and decided to design and build a new facility to meet current NCAA and IAAF requirements. Head Track and Field Coach Don Weber hopes that with the complete overhaul of the Shively Track the University of Kentucky will be able to host outdoor NCAA meets as well as provide a venue for local high schools to compete as well.

“The reality is, when you spend that kind of money on a track – unless you’re using it on a regular basis – you don’t give yourself a chance to get a return on that,” Weber said “[Hosting] would be something that we’d be very interested in. I think we need to provide for the high schools, which in turn feeds our programs.” (Eric Lindsey, University of Kentucky Blog)

After an exhaustive search for a company that would be able to meet all of the Wildcats’ current and future needs, Beynon Sports Surfaces was selected to install the industry leading BSS 2000 athletic surface. With a resume that includes two (2) of the four (4) Class I IAAF certified facilities in the United States, and a reputation for high quality products, construction expertise and outstanding customer service, Beynon Sports Surfaces was the only choice for the University of Kentucky.

“We are thrilled to be a part of UK’s vision for the future and look forward to watching their track and field program continue to grow and evolve.” Drew Beynon, Chief Operating Officer of Beynon Sports “With the BSS 2000 beneath their feet, the student-athletes at the University of Kentucky will be able to train hard and run fast for years to come.”