Sam Bailey Track and Field Stadium

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The venue of many historic meets, the Sam Bailey Track and Field Stadium is a nine-lane oval, with each lane measuring 48-inches wide. The facility, boasting one of the premier track surfaces in track and field today and seating for up to 4,500 spectators, has dual direction runways for long jump, triple jump and pole vault with at least 155-feet for approaches. The east/west direction runways are designed to create the best win conditions. The shot put, discus and hammer throw circles are brushed concrete and are highlighted in the track infield.

In 2006, the stadium underwent renovation as Beynon Sports Surfaces replaced the competition surface with its BSS 2000 surface. The BSS 2000 surface is the premier track surface in track and field today with venues including Hayward Field (University of Oregon), site of the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and the 2008 Olympic Trials, also installing the surface. In the Southeastern Conference, four universities, including Alabama, have the surface. In addition, the facility devoted specifically to the track and field and cross country teams features multiple concession areas, restrooms and storage rooms.

The outdoor track facility was first designed in 1975 by Gasner-Nathan-Brown Architects and was constructed by the N.C. Morgan Company. The facility was designed with both participant and spectator in mind. The primary surface was a nine-lane AstroTrack surface by Monsanto and featured 48-inch lanes with extra width in the turns.

Sam Bailey Track and Field Stadium has played host to a variety of championship meets throughout the years, including the 2007 SEC Championships, the 2006-08 SIAC Championships and the 1997-03 AHSAA Track and Field Championships. Annually, the facility is home to the Alabama Relays.

The Stadium's Namesake, Sam Bailey
The stadium, built in 1975, is named for the late Sam Bailey, who arrived at the University of Alabama alongside legendary football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant in 1958 as the assistant coach in charge of freshman football. In 1966, Bailey was appointed assistant head coach by Bryant, holding that position until 1969 when he was named the Assistant Athletic Director. While in the position, Bailey maintained that the Crimson Tide was not just a football-oriented institution and dedicated his 30 years at Alabama to the betterment of every sport at the school.

Directions to the Stadium
The track and field facility is located adjacent to Coleman Coliseum on the campus of the University of Alabama. From Interstate 20/59 west, take exit 73 for US-82/McFarland Boulevard and keep right (north) at the fork for approximately 1.7 miles. Take a left (west) at 15th Street and continue for about one mile, then turn right (north) onto Hackberry Lane. The facility is located approximately a quarter of a mile ahead on the right, just over the railroad tracks. The street address for Sam Bailey Track and Field Stadium is 400 Coliseum Street, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487.

Features
-Nine 48-inch lanes of BSS 2000 surface by Beynon Sports Surfaces
-Spectator seating for up to 4,500 fans
-Dual direction runways for long jump, triple jump and pole vault
-East/west field event areas

Locker Rooms (Inside Coleman Coliseum)

Coleman Coliseum, located adjacent to the track stadium, is home to the men's and women's track and field/cross country locker rooms. The men's locker room, with former Alabama greats in framed pictures on the walls, is equipped with 36 lockers, a 52-inch flat screen television, pool table and lots of comfortable seating. The locker room is also outfitted with several showers and restrooms. In addition, a trophy case has been added to the players lounge area of the locker room to hold the multiple Southeastern Conference crowns attained over the years.

The women's locker room, with 45 lockers, is equipped with a large players lounge separated from the locker room. The lounge is outfitted with a 37-inch flat screen television, computer/printer and lots of comfortable seating. The locker room is also equipped with several showers, restrooms, cold/hot whirlpools and a taping table.